10 best tree removal companies in Oak Park, Illinois

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for 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, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Oak Park, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

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

Look for tree removal companies in Oak 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Oak Park is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to pets, property, vehicles and people. 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, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals 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.
• 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 so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Oak Park

To choose the best tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include restoring its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, planting and pruning 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 skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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 regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Illinois that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Oak Park government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights 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 walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp.

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.