There's been a few questions regarding whether or not Landscapers were considered "essential businesses"

I wanted to share some guidance with everyone regarding the landscaping and lawn care industry.

Due to the high visibility of landscape contractors in your communities, our three organizations felt it would be wise to provide guidance to municipal government officials on landscape industry businesses during the "Stay-at-Home" Executive Order issued on March 20, 2020. We feel the more information municipalities have will improve communication with your communities and service providers. This will help answer resident questions if they arise.

The landscape industry requested additional information from the Governor's office about whether lawn, landscape, and tree services were essential services under Section 12, Paragraph H of the Executive Order that reads:

Critical trades. Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations;

Although landscaping is not mentioned by name, landscape services were verified as essential by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity on March 23, 2020. An FAQ document was released on essential businesses that reads:

Can residential and commercial lawn service remain open?

Yes. Many landscape projects will fit under an exemption such as construction, agriculture, or public works. Outdoor landscape projects generally will provide for good social distancing that poses little risk of transmission, but it still is important to ensure the ability to wash or sanitize hands and take other precautions.

The FAQ document is included here: https://bit.ly/2Jsf3zT

This would include essential services for the following trades: landscape contractors (construction and maintenance), lawn care, irrigation, and tree care.

Additional information on green industry businesses: These fall under Section 12, Paragraphs A & B of the Executive Order.

Garden Centers - These establishments sell materials for customers to produce fruits and vegetables at their residences, sell firewood, pet supplies, and other household essentials. They are adapting business policies and procedures to protect employees and customers, in alignment with CDC guidelines, while serving the needs of the community.

Nurseries, Growers, Greenhouses - These businesses fall under agricultural production and are listed as essential businesses under the EO.