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TRUSTED BY LAKE FOREST, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon1.4k+
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

Top-Rated Arborists in Lake Forest - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Progressive Tree Service
Progressive Tree Service
4.6(
79
)
Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I spoke to Juan and he came over in less than an hour to see what needed to be done. Because this was a very small job, he explained that it might be a while before they could get to it. After waiting a few weeks I called a few times and got a hold of him. They came and did the trimming but forgot one branch so we did that again. They did a great job. Now I don't have to worry that my trees will take down the neighbor's fence or my power"
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+8

Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for AMG Tree Service
AMG Tree Service
5.0(
234
)
Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired Guillermo and his crew to remove a large pine tree w/ stump grinding. The price was better than other tree removal services I have used in the past and they did an excellent job. I will definitely reach out to AMG again."
Gurnee il 1
Waukegan il 1
Waukegan il 2
Gurnee ill 2
North chicago il 1

+30

Response time5 hrs
Response rate99%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Greenworks Landscape
Greenworks Landscape
4.8(
45
)
Tree RemovalTree TrimmingTree Removal - For Business+1 more

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I am so grateful that I found this Company, they were fast, efficient, and very professional. I would highly recommend them, My trees look fabulous! And my backyard is safe from large falling tree branches."
Brickwork
Brickwork
Brickwork
Response time1 day
16 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by97%of homeowners
Avatar for Fer-Acosta's Landscaping, Inc.
Fer-Acosta's Landscaping, Inc.
4.9(
22
)
Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Another season of unsurpassed service. All expectations exceeded and many ideas presented for improving the yard. Trees pruned, removed and replaced a; bushes planted trimmed and maintained. Flowers transplanted and arranged. Excellent lawn maintenance. Fees exceptionally fair.."
Basic Trimming job
Big oak mulch
hydrangea
Response time10 hrs
Response rate86%
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Bowline Tree Service, LLC
4.8(
73
)
Tree RemovalTree TrimmingTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Bowline is the best tree service around. Customer service is great Kevin is kind, honest and hardworking. Him and his crew have cut two very large trees down for us and did the stump grind in the past 2 weeks. They do a wonderful job, they clean up, they show up on time and his prices are very fair. I will recommend this company to anyone looking for work time and time again. Thank you so much Kevin for working with us!"
Response time1 day
18 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for AQG Dumpster Rental Junk Removal
AQG Dumpster Rental Junk Removal
4.6(
47
)
Tree Stump - RemoveTree Stump - Remove - For Business

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"AQG took the time to meet with me at the location. They listened to my concerns. We discussed how to proceed. Fair price for this job. Scheduling was prompt. All my questions were answered by Henry. Job well done!"
Response time7 hrs
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for ROGEL JR. TREE SERVICES
ROGEL JR. TREE SERVICES
5.0(
5
)
Tree TrimmingTree RemovalTree Removal - For Business+1 more

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I have a 30 year old Magnolia tree that needed trimming, and I was very afraid to let someone trim it because I don't want to lose the tree. Dino and his crew came out,assessed the job and came promptly on the service date. He also suggested trimming the front trees. He took care of all of them and did a great job. Very happy with the service and would definitely refer them or hire them again if needed."
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Showing 1-10 of 244
Arborists FAQs, answered by experts

Cutting down a tree next to power lines is never a DIY job, and it’s a good idea to contact your utility company first. In most cases, the utility company will need to take care of any tree problems within 10 to 15 feet of power lines. If you want to remove the tree for aesthetic reasons, hire a pro to do the job. Trying to cut trees near power lines yourself can create many safety hazards, and you could be liable if you inadvertently cause damage to electrical equipment.

While trees can grow in the curb strip between the sidewalk and the street, this placement often poses the problem of interfering with overhead power lines. It’s best to consult your local utility provider and tree planting service before transplanting a tree that might grow into power lines. Also, you should never work within 20 feet of a live power line to avoid the risk of electric shock. Tree branches should never touch nearby power lines, so it’s essential to ensure your tree isn’t in danger of growing too close to them.

Licensing requirements for arborists, also known as tree surgeons, vary by state and municipality. Many areas require a license, which often involves specialized education and experience. Even if not mandated, it's wise to hire a licensed professional as they tend to have more experience. Beyond licensing, look for certifications from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), as this indicates a higher level of expertise. Certified arborists must typically pass a comprehensive exam. Always confirm that the arborist has a business license and is fully insured to protect yourself from liability. Seeking positive recommendations from local homeowners is also a good step in finding a qualified professional.

Though summer is not ideal, you can do some light pruning during this time of year. Just make sure it’s not excessive. Vigorous pruning will stress the tree and impact next year’s growth. Generally, August to September are the best summer-pruning months, particularly for fruit trees.

In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.

That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.

The Lake Forest, IL homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.