Prime Tree Care is a full-service tree company serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs — from Evanston and Oak Park to Schaumburg and Aurora. Our ISA-certified arborists handle tree health inspections, pruning, removal, cabling and bracing, and 24/7 emergency storm response, using modern equipment and utility-aware safety practices on every job.
Chicago's urban forest is one of the city's most valuable assets — and one of its most stressed. Decades of parkway plantings, dense clay soils, and a long-running Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation have left many neighborhoods with an aging, uneven tree canopy. Silver maples and elms planted in the mid-20th century are now reaching structural decline, while Dutch Elm Disease and oak wilt continue to threaten specimen trees across the North Side, South Side, and western suburbs.
Add in Chicago's exposure to high-wind derechos and heavy spring storms, plus a dense grid of energized power lines running through nearly every parkway, and it's clear why professional tree care matters here more than in most cities. A poorly timed prune, an untreated disease, or a hazardous limb left unaddressed can turn into a costly emergency — or a genuine safety risk to people, property, and utility infrastructure.
Prime Tree Care's ISA-certified arborists combine local tree knowledge with modern diagnostic tools, bucket trucks, and crane equipment to keep Chicago-area trees healthy, structurally sound, and code-compliant — whether that means a routine tree health inspection, structural pruning, or a full hazardous tree removal.
From routine health checks to emergency storm response, every service below is performed by ISA-certified arborists using modern, utility-aware equipment.
ISA-certified assessments that catch Emerald Ash Borer, canopy decline, and disease early — before treatment options run out.
Root-zone treatments built for Chicago's dense clay soils, correcting nutrient deficiencies that stunt growth and weaken storm resistance.
Structural, dormant-season pruning that improves form and safety — timed to reduce oak wilt risk on oak species.
Species diversification and proper site selection to replace ash losses and build a more resilient canopy for the long term.
Safe removal of hazardous, storm-damaged, or dead trees — including crane removals and full permit guidance for parkway trees.
Cabling and bracing systems that reduce limb failure risk before Chicago's next high-wind event or derecho.
Full stump grinding after removal, clearing the way for replanting, sod, or hardscaping without leaving a hazard behind.
24/7 emergency response for downed limbs, leaning trees, and storm damage, with safe operations around energized power lines.
Chicagoland's tree stock faces a specific set of regional threats. Here's what our arborists diagnose and treat most often.
This invasive beetle has devastated ash trees across Chicagoland. Early detection and treatment can save a tree; advanced infestations usually require removal before the tree becomes hazardous.
A fungal disease spread by bark beetles that causes rapid wilting and canopy dieback in elms. Prompt pruning of infected limbs and fungicide treatment can slow its spread.
Highly contagious among oak species and spreadable through root grafts and pruning wounds. We schedule oak work outside the high-risk spring-to-fall window to reduce transmission.
Fast-growing but structurally weak, mature silver maples are a common source of limb failure in storms. Structural pruning and cabling reduce the risk of sudden breakage.
Chicago's exposure to derechos and high-wind events leaves broken limbs, split trunks, and leaning trees. We provide emergency response to secure the property fast.
Roots lifting sidewalks, driveways, and foundations are common in older Chicago lots. We assess root management options that protect the tree and the hardscape.
Branches encroaching on energized power lines require utility-aware pruning and, in some cases, coordination with utility vegetation management crews.
Many Chicago parkway and yard trees were planted decades ago and are now showing structural decline. A tree risk assessment determines whether pruning, support, or removal is the safest path.
Every diagnosis and treatment plan is backed by ISA-Certified Arborist training and current best practices.
We know Chicago's parkway rules, common species, and regional pest and disease pressures firsthand.
Utility-aware procedures, proper PPE, and modern equipment keep every job site safe for crews and property owners.
Storm damage doesn't wait for business hours — our team offers priority dispatch when a tree becomes a hazard.
Clear, honest assessments with no upsells — we tell you exactly what a tree needs and why.
Bucket trucks, cranes, and current safety standards let us handle everything from pruning to complex removals.
Tree challenges shift block by block across Chicagoland. Lakefront and North Side neighborhoods deal with older canopy and heavier storm exposure off the lake, while western and southern suburbs like Aurora, Schaumburg, and Chicago Heights see more open-lot silver maples and ash removals. Older South Side blocks often carry mature parkway trees that need careful, utility-aware pruning, and newer suburban developments like West Chicago and Westmont benefit most from young-tree structural training and species diversification. Wherever you're located, our crews bring the same ISA-certified standard of care.
| Situation | Recommended Service | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Dead or crossing branches | Structural pruning | Late winter (dormant season) |
| Oak with fresh wounds | Delayed pruning + wound care | Outside Apr–Oct oak wilt window |
| Confirmed EAB infestation (early) | Treatment injection | Spring |
| Confirmed EAB infestation (advanced) | Tree removal | As soon as possible |
| Leaning tree after storm | Emergency assessment / cabling | Immediate |
| Weak-limbed silver maple | Cabling & bracing | Before storm season |
| Dead / structurally unsound tree | Full removal + stump grinding | As soon as possible |
Whether it's a routine health check, storm damage, or a hazardous tree that needs to come down, Prime Tree Care's ISA-certified arborists serve Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Schaumburg, Aurora, and every suburb in between. Free estimates. 24/7 emergency dispatch.
Prime Tree Care