Should landscapers be certified or licensed?

<div>When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">check our state licensing tool</a> to review the local landscaper guidelines.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

How much does it cost to remove a tree?

<div>On average, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-tree-removal-cost.htm">removing a tree costs</a> around $750, but you can expect to pay between $200 to $2,000. Factors that impact the overall cost include the number of trees you’re having removed, their height, the diameter of their trunks, permits needed, and the tree’s accessibility. You’ll pay more if the tree is in a hard-to-reach area or dangerous location, like close to power lines.</div>

How much are typical landscaping costs?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-landscaping-cost.htm">Landscaping costs</a> around $3,500 but varies widely from $200 to $14,000. Factors that play a part in your final landscaping price tag include:<ul><li>Location</li><li>Yard size</li><li>Project size</li><li>Materials</li><li>Land preparation</li><li>Type of landscaping</li></ul>Considering so many factors, it’s not surprising that the overall costs can differ. A typical landscaping project is flower bed installation, which averages between $800 and $3,000. However, landscape lighting installation is a higher-end project, with a price tag of $2,000 to $6,000. </div>

Do tree removal companies need insurance?

<div>Yes, you will want to confirm that the tree removal company you hire is insured before proceeding with the job. Tree removal can be dangerous work, and it's important to verify that the company carries the proper insurance to cover any onsite accidents or damage.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

Top 10 Best Arborists in Gurnee, IL

Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

Verified Reviews for Arboricultural Service pros in Gurnee, IL

*The Angi rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Gurnee, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Arboricultural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Gurnee, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Arboricultural Service needs.

Last update on August 05, 2025

Reviewed in October 2013
He came out promptly the first time. One of the trees he treated died and he never returned. I have left numerous calls for him. He called back and said he would stop by but he never followed through.
AAA Arborist Tree Experts
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Reviewed in August 2003
THE CREW DID A GOOD JOB OF CLEAN-UP IN MY YARD AND MY NEIGHBOR'S. I WAS NOT HOME WHEN THEY DID THE WORK, BUT MY NEIGHBOR SAID THEY WERE COURTEOUS TO HER. I HAD THREE ESTIMATES, BUT THIS ONE WAS THE MOST REASONABLE.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in November 2014
They are wonderful. Sometimes you have to wait a while for them to come, but once they are here they do a terrific job. They clean up very well and they certainly take care of all the problems. They point out things I am not aware of. I can't think of anything bad.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in February 2017
Excellent! Care of Trees is the best for tree pruning and tree care. It makes me feel very comfortable with the work to be done when I meet with the arborist first and we talk through the work to be done. I highly recommend them and my arborist, John Kelly.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in August 2007
They were very professional. An arborist came out to quote me with a price. She was very nice and had a pleasant personality. They cleaned up so well after they were done with the work. The trimming was done nicely. I was very satisfied with the workers and the arborist.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in August 2017
Both the arborist and the gentlemen that came out to do the work were very friendly, accommodating, and open to questions. Everything looked good and was well cleaned up. The price for the work was fair, as Davey does employ certified arborists which comes with a little higher price tag, but...
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in April 2012
The arborist came out a couple of days previously to go over all of the work and explain what they would do. The crew arrived with the arborist explaining in detail the hedge and other trimming. They work was accomplished and all the mess removed.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in November 2005
ALTHOUGH HE DETERMINED THAT OUR TREE COULD NOT BE SAVED, HE WAS VERY HELPFUL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS. VERY PLEASANT EXPERIENCE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in May 2007
Despite my request for a face to face appointment, I got a voice mail message (left on our home phone while I was at work) from Laura saying that she was in the area and would come right over and take a look at the Japanese maple I was worried about. Laura said that she would then contact me...
SavATree – Northbrook
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