10 best tree removal companies in Berwyn, Illinois

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is 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 tree removal professionals in Berwyn can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job alone could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Berwyn guarantees that the job will be performed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Berwyn

Look for tree removal companies in Berwyn 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Berwyn is average compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, pets, people and property. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. 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:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, logs and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. By choosing one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Berwyn

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, planting and pruning trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Illinois does not require arborists to hold a license, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Berwyn doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the Berwyn building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.