Lake Forest's 19,388 residents live among beautiful trees — and those trees need care to stay safe and healthy. American Tree Service Pros dispatches local tree specialists throughout Lake Forest and Lake County for removals, trimming, stump grinding, disease treatment, and planting. From routine pruning to middle-of-the-night storm emergencies, (888) 845-3153 is the number to call.
Common Tree Problems in Lake Forest
Dead or Dying Trees
A dead tree in Lake Forest is a standing hazard — brittle wood that can drop limbs or topple in the next windstorm. Signs include bark falling off in sheets, no leaves in growing season, and mushroom growth at the base. Dead trees don't get better; removal is the safe answer.
Storm-Damaged Limbs
IL storms snap limbs, split trunks, and uproot entire trees. Hanging "widow-maker" branches are especially dangerous — they can fall without warning. After any major storm, walk your property and look up before you walk under.
Diseased Trees
Discolored leaves, cankers on bark, oozing sap, or sawdust-like frass signal disease or insect attack. Caught early, many tree diseases are treatable; left alone, they spread to neighboring trees and weaken the tree until removal is the only option.
Overgrown Limbs Near Structures
Limbs rubbing your roof wear through shingles, clog gutters, and give pests a highway into your attic. Limbs near power lines are a utility hazard. Strategic pruning solves both while keeping the tree healthy.
Our Tree Services in Lake Forest, IL
Every service below is available in Lake Forest — call (888) 845-3153 any time:
Tree Removal
Learn more →Emergency Tree Service
Learn more →Tree Trimming & Pruning
Learn more →Stump Grinding & Removal
Learn more →Tree Health & Disease Treatment
Learn more →Tree Planting
Learn more →Land Clearing
Learn more →Crane Tree Removal
Learn more →Palm Tree Trimming & Removal
Learn more →Tree Cabling & Bracing
Learn more →Why Lake Forest Homeowners Call Us
24/7 Emergency Response
Storms don't keep office hours. Call (888) 845-3153 any time — nights, weekends, holidays — and reach a real person who dispatches help for fallen trees and dangerous limbs.
Safety-First Crews
Tree work is genuinely dangerous. Our local crews use professional rigging, cranes when needed, and strict safety procedures to protect your family, your home, and themselves.
Complete Cleanup Included
We don't leave you a mess. Branches chipped, logs hauled or stacked per your preference, and the work area raked clean — most Lake Forest customers can't tell we were there except the tree is gone.
All Tree Types and Sizes
Ornamental cherries to century-old oaks, palms to pines — our network handles every species common in Lake County, at any size.
Illinois Tree Care: What to Watch For
Emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across Illinois, and many dead ashes are still standing — brittle, dangerous, and ready to fall. Add severe thunderstorms and heavy snow, and tree risk is a year-round concern. Lake Forest-area homeowners should check ash trees for D-shaped exit holes and canopy dieback, and remove dead trees before they threaten homes.
Areas We Serve Near Lake Forest
Also serving these nearby Illinois communities:
- Tree Service in Deerfield
- Tree Service in Highland Park
- Tree Service in North Chicago
- Tree Service in Vernon Hills
- Tree Service in Northbrook
- Tree Service in Libertyville
- Tree Service in Buffalo Grove
- Tree Service in Wheeling
What Lake Forest Homeowners Say
“Great experience from the quote to the cleanup. They explained everything, protected our garden beds, and kept us informed the whole way through.”
“Our palms hadn't been trimmed in years and looked terrible. Now they're shaped beautifully. They knew exactly what they were doing with palms.”
“Fast, friendly, and thorough. They pruned six trees around our property in Lake Forest and cleaned up every last twig. Highly recommend calling them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal after a storm?
Usually, insurance covers tree removal only when the tree damages a covered structure (house, garage, fence) — and even then, policies typically cap the amount paid per tree, with separate debris-removal coverage. A tree that falls harmlessly in your yard is generally not covered. Document everything with photos and call your insurer promptly to understand your specific coverage.
Should I plant a new tree after removing one?
Usually yes — but plant smarter. Choose a species suited to Illinois's climate and your available space (mature size matters!), plant at the right depth with the root flare exposed, and water deeply during establishment. Avoid planting the same species in the same spot if disease killed the original.
Can a storm-damaged tree be saved, or does it have to come down?
It depends on the damage. A tree that lost up to 25–30% of its canopy but kept its main trunk intact can often recover with corrective pruning. A split trunk, uprooted root plate, or more than half the canopy gone usually means removal. A professional assessment in Lake Forest will tell you which category your tree falls into.
When is the best time of year to trim trees?
Late winter to early spring (dormant season) is ideal for most species — structure is visible, disease pressure is low, and trees heal fast as growth resumes. Dead, broken, or hazardous limbs should be removed any time. Avoid heavy pruning of oaks in spring in areas with oak wilt, and never top a tree.
Can a diseased tree be saved?
Sometimes — if caught early. Fungal diseases, bacterial infections, and many pest problems respond to treatment when the tree still has vigor. Advanced decay, extensive root damage, or structural compromise usually can't be reversed. An on-site diagnosis is the only way to know; photos help but don't replace an inspection.
There's a tree touching power lines — who handles it?
Call your utility company first — never attempt this yourself. Utilities maintain clearance around their lines and will trim or remove conflicting trees at no charge to you in most areas. Only qualified line-clearance crews should work within 10 feet of energized lines.
When is crane-assisted tree removal necessary?
When a tree is too large, too close to structures, or too hazardous to climb and rig conventionally. Cranes lift big sections vertically clear of roofs, pools, and power lines — faster and safer for difficult removals. If a company recommends a crane for your Lake Forest tree, the site conditions demand it.
Get A Free Quote
Tell us about your tree — we'll get back to you fast. For emergencies, call now.
Tree Trouble? Call Now.
24/7 live answering. Emergency crews ready across the area.