10 best tree removal companies in Lake Villa, 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 diseased, decaying 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 professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial 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 by yourself could lead to property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Lake Villa, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lake Villa

Look for tree removal companies in Lake Villa 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Lake Villa is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a reliable contractor right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to people, property, pets and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, including these:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, branches and logs to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that 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 new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Lake Villa

Use these considerations to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

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

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should have an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Lake Villa doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the Lake Villa government 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. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company referrals. While a personal recommendation can be valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp 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.