What to do right now
If a tree or limb is touching a power line, stay far away and call ComEd first. Treat every downed wire as live. Do not try to move branches off wires yourself.
- Get everyone out of any room where a tree hit the house
- Keep kids and pets away from hanging limbs and cracked trunks
- Take photos of the damage for your insurance
- Do not climb on the roof or try to cut the tree yourself
- Call or text us at (815) 764-7950
Storm damage we handle
Trees on houses and garages
A tree resting on a roof has to be taken off carefully. Cutting it the wrong way can cause more damage. We climb and rig the tree so pieces are lifted and lowered off the structure in a controlled way.
Trees on cars, fences, and sheds
We cut and remove the tree so you can see the full damage and start repairs or claims.
Trees blocking driveways and streets
We cut up fallen trees so you can get your car out and get on with your day.
Hangers and split trunks
A broken limb stuck up in a tree is called a hanger. It can fall any time. Split trunks are also dangerous. These need to come down before the next wind.
Why storms hit trees hard here
The south suburbs get strong summer thunderstorms, straight line winds, heavy wet snow, and ice. Some trees handle it better than others.
- Callery pears split at tight branch angles
- Silver maples and cottonwoods drop big limbs
- Dead ash trees snap because the wood is dry and brittle
- Trees with rot at the base can tip over when the soil is soaked
The best way to avoid an emergency is to deal with weak trees before storm season. See dead and hazardous tree removal and tree trimming.
Insurance
Many homeowner policies help pay for tree removal when a tree damages the house or another covered structure. Coverage rules vary a lot, so call your insurance company. Take photos before we start, and we can give you a clear written description of the work we did.
After the emergency
Once things are safe, we can come back to grind the stump, clean up the yard, and help replace what was lost with a better tree. See stump grinding and tree planting.