Emerald ash borer arrived in the Chicago area in 2006, and within a decade this invasive beetle had been detected in more than 60 of the state’s 102 counties. The pest, first identified in Michigan in 2002, tunnels beneath the bark of ash trees and severs the vascular tissue that carries water and nutrients. Infested ash trees typically die within two to six years. University of Illinois Extension estimates that ash species once represented roughly 20 percent of the urban canopy in many Illinois municipalities, and the mass die-off has forced cities and homeowners across the state to address thousands of dead or structurally compromised trees. In northern Illinois, where the initial wave hit hardest, emerald ash borer populations have largely crashed according to the 2025 Illinois Forest Resource Fact Sheet from the USDA Forest Service. Central and southern portions of the state, however, continue to experience active infestations, creating a rolling demand for professional tree removal that has persisted for nearly two decades.
Illinois does not maintain a state-level arborist or tree removal license. The state had a Tree Expert licensing law on the books from 1957 until the mid-1980s, when the legislature repealed it as part of a deregulation effort. Today, tree service companies operating in Illinois need a general business license at the city or county level, and any firm applying pesticides for emerald ash borer treatment or other pest management must hold a separate Illinois pesticide applicator license issued through the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Several municipalities impose their own permitting rules: Park Ridge, for example, requires a permit to remove any tree exceeding 10 inches in diameter at breast height on private property, and Chicago’s municipal code addresses parkway tree protections. Obtaining at least three written estimates before committing to a contract helps property owners compare pricing and scope of work across providers. Verifying that a company carries both liability and workers’ compensation coverage protects the homeowner from financial exposure if an accident occurs during the job.
Beyond emerald ash borer, Illinois contends with oak wilt, a fungal disease spread through root grafts and sap-feeding beetles that threatens the red oak group in particular. Bacterial leaf scorch affects pin oaks and elms in urban settings, and the spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper, was confirmed at a new Illinois site in 2024 according to the USDA Forest Service state brief. These overlapping pressures mean that removal crews working across the state encounter a mix of hardwoods, including white and red oak, silver and sugar maple, hackberry, and various ash species, each presenting distinct challenges related to wood density, branching structure, and site access.
Late fall and winter represent the preferred window for non-emergency tree removal in Illinois. Once deciduous species drop their leaves, arborists gain clearer sightlines into canopy structure and can more accurately assess deadwood and structural defects. Frozen ground during December through February also reduces lawn damage from heavy equipment. Summer months are typically the busiest season for tree service firms in the Chicago, Peoria, and Springfield metropolitan areas, driven by storm damage from severe thunderstorms and the occasional derecho that sweeps across the central Midwest. The June 2023 derecho that tracked through central Illinois, for instance, generated widespread tree failures and extended wait times for removal crews.
Property owners evaluating tree removal companies in Illinois should ask for proof of International Society of Arboriculture certification, which signals that the arborist has passed a rigorous examination and accumulated at least three years of documented field experience. Checking references and reviewing a contractor’s history with the local Better Business Bureau provides additional assurance of reliable workmanship. The Illinois Arborist Association, a chapter of ISA active since 1983, maintains a directory of certified professionals and hosts preparation courses for the certification exam throughout the year.
Top Tree Removal Companies in Illinois
1. Jose’s Tree Service
- Address: 1900 N Austin Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- Phone: (773) 889-5446
- Website: https://josestreeservices.com
- Rating: 4.8/5 (91 reviews)
- Services: tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, stump removal, lot clearing, firewood delivery
- Description: Operating in the Chicagoland area since 1991, Jose’s Tree Service handles residential jobs ranging from overgrown backyard hardwoods to emergency storm-damage cleanup. The company is BBB-accredited and maintains 24-hour availability for urgent situations involving downed limbs or hazardous leaners near structures and power lines.
2. A-1 Tree Services
- Address: 1819 N Lockwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- Phone: (773) 237-0344
- Website: https://a1treeservicechicago.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (39 reviews)
- Services: tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, lot clearing
- Description: A-1 Tree Services has served the greater Chicago metropolitan area for more than three decades, working with both residential and commercial clients on projects that include mature oak and elm removals in tight urban lots. Crews provide free estimates and leave wood chips on site when requested by the property owner.
3. PHP Tree Service
- Address: 1208 N 13th St, Springfield, IL 62702
- Phone: (217) 503-5063
- Website: https://217treeremoval.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (271 reviews)
- Services: tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, emergency tree service, crane-assisted removal
- Description: Based in Springfield and active since 2017, PHP Tree Service focuses on central Illinois properties and maintains round-the-clock availability for storm-damage emergencies. The company operates remote-controlled removal equipment suited to large ash and oak specimens in confined residential yards and offers in-house payment plans for qualifying customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in Illinois
Q: How has emerald ash borer affected tree removal demand in Illinois?
Emerald ash borer was first detected in Illinois in 2006 in Cook and Kane counties and has since spread to the majority of the state. The pest kills most untreated ash trees within two to six years by destroying the tissue beneath the bark that transports water and nutrients. Ash species made up approximately 20 percent of the urban canopy in many Illinois cities, so the die-off has generated sustained demand for removal of dead and hazardous ash trees across both metropolitan and rural areas.
Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property in Illinois?
Illinois has no statewide tree removal permit, but many municipalities enforce their own regulations. Park Ridge requires a permit for removing any tree over 10 inches in diameter at breast height, and Chicago protects parkway trees under its municipal code. Before scheduling removal, contact your city or village hall to confirm whether a permit or inspection is required for trees on your specific lot.
Q: Does Illinois require a license to operate a tree removal business?
Illinois does not issue a state-level arborist or tree removal license. The state repealed its Tree Expert licensing law in the 1980s. Tree service companies are required to hold a general business license at the city or county level. Any company applying chemical treatments for pests such as emerald ash borer must separately obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator license through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Q: What is the best time of year for tree removal in Illinois?
Late fall through late winter is generally the most favorable period because deciduous trees have shed their leaves, giving crews better visibility into canopy structure and reducing the volume of debris. Frozen ground in December through February also minimizes lawn and landscape damage from heavy equipment. Emergency removals after summer thunderstorms or ice events occur year-round regardless of season.
Q: How can I tell if my ash tree is infested with emerald ash borer?
Common indicators include thinning or dying branches starting at the top of the canopy, clusters of small leafy shoots sprouting directly from the trunk, D-shaped exit holes roughly one-eighth of an inch wide in the bark, and increased woodpecker activity. Trees may show no visible symptoms for the first year or two of infestation. A certified arborist can perform a detailed inspection and advise whether treatment or removal is the appropriate course of action.
Q: Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree after a tornado in Illinois?
In most cases, the property owner is responsible for removing a fallen tree from their own land, regardless of where the tree originally stood. If a neighbor’s healthy tree falls onto your property during a storm, your homeowners insurance typically covers the removal cost. If a municipality-owned tree falls, the city or village public works department generally handles the cleanup. After a federally declared disaster, FEMA debris removal assistance may become available through local emergency management agencies.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal in Illinois?
Standard homeowners policies in Illinois generally cover tree removal when a fallen tree damages an insured structure such as the house, garage, or fence. Most policies cap reimbursement for tree debris removal, often between $500 and $1,000 per tree. If a tree falls but causes no structural damage, removal costs are typically the homeowner’s responsibility. Policy terms vary, so reviewing coverage details with your insurer before an emergency arises is advisable.