10 best tree removal companies in Algonquin, Illinois

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Algonquin, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Algonquin

Look for tree removal companies in Algonquin with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Algonquin is low compared to other American cities. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal professional.

The tree's roots are making your home's foundation lift or crack. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of branches, needles, seeds, sap or leaves. The tree or its offshoots are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms.

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, pets, people and property. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Algonquin

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, moving and pruning trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Illinois does not require arborists to be licensed, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Algonquin doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with the Algonquin building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.