10 best tree removal companies in Gurnee, Illinois

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's important to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job on your own could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal experts have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Gurnee, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Gurnee

Look for tree removal companies in Gurnee 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Gurnee is average compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. 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. The tree is dropping far more leaves, seeds, branches, needles or sap than usual. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation lift or crack. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal.

If you notice raised dirt around the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

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 property, people, pets and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with the following additional services:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Gurnee

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can analyze your tree's needs and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Gurnee doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Gurnee officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk 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. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company referrals. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp 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.