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

You should remove 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 experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Wheeling, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Wheeling

Look for tree removal companies in Wheeling 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Wheeling is average compared to other American cities. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to pets, property, vehicles and people. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• 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.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. 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 crews often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Wheeling

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. 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, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. Illinois doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Wheeling government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors 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 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.