10 best tree removal companies in Calumet City, 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 essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal experts have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Calumet City ensures that the job will be performed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Calumet City

Look for tree removal companies in Calumet City 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?

Consider removing a tree if you observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Calumet City is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these warning signs:

The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree is dropping far more branches, seeds, leaves, sap or needles than usual. The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree or its branches are too close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack.

If you see raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

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. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, pets, vehicles and people. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have it removed 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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. By choosing one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Calumet City

To select the right tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts 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 planting, moving and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. Illinois doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Calumet City doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Calumet City building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, roots and trunk by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate 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 browse 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.