10 best tree removal companies in Downers Grove, Illinois

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for 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, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal contractors 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 Downers Grove, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Downers Grove

Look for tree removal companies in Downers Grove 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?

When a tree shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Downers Grove is marginally high compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to assess 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 cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches 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 completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Downers Grove

To find the best tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills 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 business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards 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 Downers Grove doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with Downers Grove building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. 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. Get quotes from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to verify 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.