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Prevailing Wage Landscaping FAQ

Many questions have been posed to the Department regarding the application of the Prevailing Wage Act to work involving landscape (e.g. plants, bulbs, seeds, bushes, shrubs etc, dirt, organic materials, sod, and nonorganic materials used in connection with landscape) and the issues relating to modifications to real estate because of the uniqueness of the work and materials involved. The Department believes it is appropriate to set forth certain questions and answers, which illustrate the Department's position as a matter of its enforcement policy to issues involving landscape work and the application of the Prevailing Wage Act.

Nothing set forth below should be interpreted as a change in the Departments view regarding traditional "hardscape work" (by way of example and not limitation "work associated with building, making, forming, demolishing brick or concrete paths or walk ways, fountains, concrete or masonry planters or retaining walls") that some might consider or refer to as falling under "landscape work." The Department has considered this work to have fallen under the Prevailing Wage Act and remains covered work under the Prevailing Wage Act.

Where examples are given, they should be considered as examples only to help provide guidance and should not be considered all encompassing.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provided below highlight topics and specific questions that are often asked of the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). The information provided in the FAQs is intended to enhance public access and understanding of IDOL laws, regulations and compliance information. 

The FAQs should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official documents (i.e. statute and/or administrative rules.) Individuals are urged to consult legal counsel of their choice. Court decisions may affect the interpretation and constitutionality of statutes. The Department cannot offer individuals legal advice or offer advisory opinions. If you need a legal opinion, we suggest you consult your own legal counsel. These FAQs are not to be considered complete and do not relieve employers from complying with applicable IDOL laws and regulations.

1. Is work performed in connection with landscape work covered under the Prevailing Wage Act?

Work performed in connection with landscape may be covered work depending upon the nature of the work.

2. What established classification of employees under the Prevailing Wage Act covers those employees who perform landscape work, which falls under the coverage of the Prevailing Wage Act?

For the purpose of the Prevailing Wage Act, the Department of Labor does not recognize the classification of "landscape plantsman," "landscape laborer" "landscape helper" "landscape installer" "landscape operator" or "landscape truck driver." Work performed by persons who sometimes may be called "landscape plantsman" or "landscape laborer" is covered by the classification of laborer. Work performed by persons sometimes referred to as "landscape operator" is covered by the classification of operator and work performed by persons sometimes call "landscape truck driver" is covered by the classification of truck driver. Neither bids nor contracts nor acceptances on landscape work covered by the Prevailing Wage Act should be based upon rates of pay other than that those associated with the classifications of laborers, operator, or truck driver the Department has published.

3. What are examples of landscape work that is covered under the Prevailing Wage Act when performed in connection with other work covered under the Prevailing Wage Act?

All work involving the installation or removal of landscape materials in conjunction with or as part of work which is otherwise covered under the Prevailing Wage Act is also work covered by the Prevailing Wage Act. For example:

  1. original installation of landscape materials in connection with covered work involving buildings or structures
  2. landscape work in conjunction with covered work involving any road, boulevard, street, highway, bridge project, sewer or underground project
  3. lawn and landscape restoration performed in conjunction with covered work involving trenches and manholes, pipes, cables and conduits
  4. preparation of and landscaping of approaches associated with covered work performed in connection with shafts, tunnels, subways, and sewers
  5. landscaping of an old or new site in conjunction with covered work involving underpinning, lagging, bracing, propping or shoring
  6. landscaping in connection with covered work involving earthmoving and grading

Even if the landscaping is to be performed after completion of the covered project, if it is an integral part of the overall project, it is deemed being performed in conjunction with or part of the project.

4. When is landscape work no longer, considered to be performed in conjunction with or as part of a project otherwise covered under the Prevailing Wage Act?

Landscape work is no longer considered to be performed in conjunction with or as part of a project when the architect, project manager, or other appropriate authorized representative issues a certificate of substantial completion to the landscape contractor or other document reflecting substantial completion, such as final payment, which under the contract is to be made upon completion of work. If the manager refuses to issue such a certificate, then when the installation and or removal of all materials as required in the contract has been completed, subsequent work is no longer considered in conjunction with or part of the project.

5. Can work associated with landscape work by itself be considered work covered under the Prevailing Wage Act?

When no other covered work such as "hardscape" is involved, the work is not covered work under the Prevailing Wage Act. Covered work under the Prevailing Wage Act would include projects involving:

  • earthmoving and grading
  • Installation of retaining walls, sidewalks, sprinkler systems, curbs, and other hardscape work.

6. What are examples of work associated with landscaping that is not covered work when it is not done in conjunction with or part of covered work?

  • lawn mowing or grass cutting
  • line trimming
  • edging
  • weeding
  • cultivating beds
  • mulch application
  • bed preparation using soil amendments
  • core aeration
  • sweeping and blowing of landscape materials
  • pruning, planting, removal or replacement of shrubs, plants, and flowers
  • pruning of trees and replacement of trees that are planted as a replacement due to the removal of diseased or irreparably damaged trees, or trees that constitute a hazard
  • replacement of sod, the removal of diseased or irreparably damaged trees or trees that are a hazard
  • seeding, including the preparation and application of erosion control blanket, application of fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, fungicide
  • aquatic applications, raking, watering of trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, bulbs, seeds and sod
  • grooming
  • dividing plants
  • dead-leafing
  • sweeping
  • trash pick-up and removal of landscape litter;
  • snow removal
  • holiday light and seasonal decoration installation​