10 best tree removal companies in Park Ridge, Illinois

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need 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.

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

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Park Ridge, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

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

Look for tree removal companies in Park Ridge 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Park Ridge is average compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to people, pets, vehicles and property. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts 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 professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve 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.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, logs and branches to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Park Ridge

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on moving, pruning and planting trees. Illinois does not require arborists to get a license, 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 skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Park Ridge doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Park Ridge 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 professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, roots and crown by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor recommendations. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB 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.