10 best tree removal companies in York, 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 essential 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.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's health. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal experts are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees in compliance with local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in York, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in York

Look for tree removal companies in York 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 encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in York is marginally high compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following signs, contact a tree removal expert.

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance they will fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to property, vehicles, people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a variety of additional services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in York

Use these factors to choose the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, planting and moving 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability and general 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 York doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with York officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, trunk and crown by walking around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews 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.