10 best tree removal companies in Evanston, 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 right equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

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 damage to your home.

Tree removal specialists have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees following local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Evanston gives you confidence that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Evanston

Look for tree removal companies in Evanston 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 Evanston is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to people, pets, property and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide an assortment of extra services in addition to cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant growth.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Evanston

Use these factors to find the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting trees. 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills 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. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Evanston doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend contacting Evanston building officials 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 decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the right step to take. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading 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.