10 best tree removal companies in Elmwood Park, Illinois

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Removing a tree 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 Elmwood Park can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

Tree removal professionals have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees following local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Elmwood Park ensures that the job will be performed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Elmwood Park

Look for tree removal companies in Elmwood Park 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 shows indications 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 Elmwood Park is average compared to other small towns. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

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: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist 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.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Elmwood Park

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, pruning and moving trees. 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Elmwood Park doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Elmwood Park officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and estimates. Collect estimates from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company recommendations. While a personal recommendation can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews before making your choice.

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.