Smitty's Tree Service in Alsip

Smitty's Tree Service

(708) 385-2814 www.smittystreeservice.net

12736 S Ridgeway Ave, Alsip, Illinois 60803

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder

Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Stump Removal, Cabling Bracing

Emergency and Storm: 24 Hour Emergency Response, Quick Response

Credentials and Trust: ISA Certified

Customer Experience: Affordable, Cleanup Included

Smitty's Tree Service delivers professional tree care and supply services in Alsip, IL. Specializing in tree trimming, tree removal, stump removal, and tree shaping, we cater to both residential and commercial clients. Our certified arborists ensure expert tree care, including emergency services for hazardous conditions. As a trusted mulch supplier and firewood supplier, we provide high-quality products to meet your landscaping and heating needs. Whether you need tree trimming services, tree removal services, or reliable mulch and firewood supplies in Alsip, IL, Smitty's Tree Service is your dependable partner for quality and care.

4.8 from 1556 reviews

5 stars
1387
4 stars
101
3 stars
11
2 stars
11
1 stars
46

Pros

  • The Smitty's Tree Service team was professional, accommodating and considerate.
  • Chazz from Smitty's is a class act.
  • The service was great and quickly executed.
  • Smitty's is hands-down the best company they have used for tree services.
  • Sandy the estimator is very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • The crew arrived promptly, were very professional, and cleaned up nicely.
  • Good prices, good work and professional.
  • The crew was courteous, thoughtful, respectful, and very professional.
  • Smitty's provides the most expert, attentive, reasonable tree care available.
  • The team did an excellent job trimming and pruning with fast, thorough cleanup.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 4% of total ratings

  • They invoiced for all three services even though only two trees were cut.
  • They failed to communicate when the job would be completed and were overpriced and unprofessional.
  • They should not be recommended.

Review Overview

Smitty’s Tree Service of Alsip, Illinois is best suited for homeowners with mature suburban or urban lots where trees sit close to structures, fences, driveways, or utilities. The work that earns the strongest recommendation here involves high-stakes removals or extensive pruning on trees that are riskier to handle, near roofs, overhanging wires, or in tight backyards where access is limited. For urgent storm responses or situations requiring rapid, decisive action to protect a home, Smitty’s reputation for fast mobilization and careful planning makes them a top option. Budget-conscious buyers should expect fair-to-good value rather than the absolute lowest price, especially on multi-tree jobs or work that demands elevated equipment and experienced arborists. In short, Smitty’s excels when safety, speed, and thorough cleanup are non-negotiable.

Safety and cleanup standards deserve front-and-center consideration with any tree project, and Smitty’s consistently demonstrates a strong, results-driven approach. Reviews repeatedly highlight the use of current, capable equipment, their fleet includes track-guided lifts and other modern machinery designed to minimize lawn and landscaping damage. Crews work with clear safety-consciousness, coordinating around overhead lines and structures, and arborists communicate with homeowners about what will be removed or pruned. Cleanup is not an afterthought; customers report yards returned to pre-job condition with debris hauled away, mulch spread, and even driveway surfaces swept clean. While one critique notes a failure to complete all requested services in a single pass, the overwhelming pattern is that Smitty’s makes cleanup a hallmark of the job, not an afterthought, and stresses documentation to prevent miscommunication.

Performance across hundreds of jobs shows a consistent capacity to handle complex work efficiently. Homeowners describe large removals accomplished quickly, with stump grinding often completed within days or weeks of the felling, and pruning done with precision to preserve canopy shape or raise clearance from structures. The company’s ability to access difficult spaces, whether using a specialized lift on hilly terrain or bringing in crews to navigate tight gates, translates into real-world results: trees removed with minimal collateral damage, canopies opened up to let in light, and landscaping intact or restored promptly. The tone across reviews is practical and confident: a well-planned operation, a skilled crew, and a finished yard that looks almost untouched except for the absence of the tree or the desired pruning. In short, when the job is not straightforward, Smitty’s delivers on the core concerns of effectiveness, efficiency, and a clean end state.

Communication and the estimator process consistently emerge as a major differentiator. The firms’ go-to contact, Sandy, receives near-universal praise for thorough, photo-backed proposals that explain what’s being done and why, often accompanied by drone imagery or on-site walk-throughs to illustrate the plan. The scheduling process is shown to be responsive, with estimates provided quickly and work coordinated around utility flags or neighbor schedules as needed. Several reviewers mention favorable discounts or coupons and a willingness to tailor the scope to fit a budget, without compromising safety or quality. Still, a minority note miscommunications or expectation gaps, reinforcing the counsel to secure a written scope of work, include photos for any branch removals, and confirm that stump grinding or mulch installation are explicitly included in the contract.

Value is a nuanced proposition with Smitty’s. On the upside, many customers find the price competitive or even below rival bids, thanks to efficient crews, strong equipment, and predictable turnaround times. Repeat customers repeatedly cite fair pricing across multiple visits for trimming, removal, stump work, and even specialized treatments. Occasional critiques suggest experiences where price felt high relative to modest job sizes or where a lower bid was pursued by a competitor; these outliers reinforce the practical rule: with tree work, the lowest price rarely correlates with the best long-term outcome if safety and thorough cleanup are sidelined. For most property owners, the delta comes in the form of peace of mind, the assurance that dangerous limbs are removed properly, that the property is protected, and that the job’s end state is clean and presentable.

Putting it into a decision framework: Smitty’s is the pick for property owners who must balance risk management, efficiency, and dependable cleanup. Those with large, hazardous removals near houses or fences, or with trees enshrouding a driveway or utility lines, will find the crew’s equipment and arborist-informed strategies a decisive advantage. City lots or suburban yards that demand precise pruning to preserve sun exposure while maintaining shade benefit from the team’s measured approach and strong follow-through on cleanup. If the project is urgent, say, a branch threatening a roof after a storm, Smitty’s track record of rapid response and on-site assessment translates to fewer days of worry and quicker restoration of normal life in the yard. For budget discipline, secure a written scope and request photos or a drone view of the work area; insist that the agreement include stump grinding and material removal to avoid post-job surprises.

The practical takeaway for decision-makers is clear. If safety-first execution, predictable scheduling, and meticulous cleanup matter, as they should for anything involving tall trees and big equipment, Smitty’s Tree Service is the practical, reliable choice for Alsip and the surrounding Chicagoland area. They excel in convincing scenarios: multiple trees, tricky locations, storm damage, and routine maintenance where the goal is to preserve property value and minimize disruption. The right move is to enter the contract with a detailed, written scope, supported by photos, and to confirm that stump grinding and mulch installation are included if those tasks are part of the plan. With these guardrails, Smitty’s delivers the kind of confident, knowledgeable service that arborists and discerning homeowners alike value, an operation that treats safety as mission-critical and cleanliness as a sign of respect for the property.

Equipment and Capabilities

Stump Grinder

Equipped with stump grinding machinery to eliminate leftover stumps after removal. Leaves your yard clean and ready for replanting or landscaping.

Stump grinding is a core capability, with customers noting that Smitty's brings in a stump grinder after tree removal to finish the job. In many cases, the stump work is completed on a follow-up visit, sometimes within a week, once the larger removal is done. Cleanup after grinding is repeatedly highlighted as thorough, with yards left neat and grindings either piled neatly or removed. The crews appear able to access stumps in challenging spots, using appropriate equipment to reach and grind without causing damage to surrounding landscaping. Overall, feedback underscores reliable, efficient stump grinding as a valued part of their tree removal and cleanup service.

Tree Services

Works Near Structures

Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.

In Alsip, IL, near-structure work is a clear strength, with crews trimming, removing, and shaping trees that overhang roofs, garages, and fences without harming those structures. They routinely operate in tight spaces, including between fences or near houses, and in some cases cut by hand when equipment can’t access the area. Equipment such as track-mounted lifts helps reach tall or sloped yards without damaging grass or landscaping, and crews are described as careful to avoid interfering with utilities—removing trees near electric, cable, and internet lines without harming them. In urgent situations, they respond quickly to protect structures, as when a tall evergreen fell on a roof and the crew arrived within an hour. Cleanup is consistently thorough, leaving yards and driveways looking much better than before the work began.

Stump Removal

Full stump extraction, root and all - not just grinding. Ideal when you need the area completely cleared for construction, landscaping, or replanting.

Stump removal is a core capability, with stump grinding routinely performed after tree removal to render the site clear in Alsip, IL. Clients describe stumps being ground down on-site, sometimes as part of the same project and other times on a prompt follow-up visit, often within days. Cleanup after stump work is consistently thorough, leaving the yard neat and free of debris. When needed, stump grinding is coordinated with other work (such as removal or trimming) and can be scheduled separately if required. The team uses up-to-date equipment capable of reaching tight spaces and working near structures with minimal turf damage, supporting effective stump removal in residential settings around Alsip.

Cabling Bracing

Installs steel cables or braces to support weak branch unions, co-dominant stems, or leaning trunks - extending the life of a tree you don't want to lose.

Cabling and bracing are provided by ISA-certified arborists who assess risk and install stabilization measures to support vulnerable limbs while preserving tree health. For example, a Birch tree needing cabling was addressed with a prompt, clear quote, on-time crew arrival, and professional, communicative service that invited questions and ensured satisfaction. Across feedback, clients repeatedly highlight thorough explanations, careful work near structures and utilities, and meticulous cleanup after the cabling/bracing work. This approach, backed by modern equipment and coordinated planning, demonstrates a safety-first, property-respecting capability for cabling and bracing in Alsip, IL.

Emergency and Storm

24 Hour Emergency Response

Available around the clock for dangerous situations - a tree on your roof, a limb blocking your driveway, or a trunk threatening to fall. Day or night.

Immediate mobilization for hazardous conditions is a clear strength. In a notable urgent incident, Chazz from Smitty’s contacted us right away and had his crew on the roofline within an hour after an extremely tall evergreen fell during a micro-burst. Across many responses, customers describe quick responses to storm damage or trees posing risk to structures, often with same-day or next-day service, professional execution, and thorough cleanup. The team’s use of specialized equipment, such as a track-mounted lift, demonstrates their ability to access challenging locations safely during emergencies while protecting surrounding property.

Quick Response

Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.

Rapid response is a defining pattern, with inquiries quickly turning into on-site action in the Alsip, IL area—customers report immediate outreach and crews on site within an hour when urgent conditions arise, such as a tall evergreen falling on a roof during a micro-burst. Estimates and scheduling are typically prompt as well; knowledgeable arborists and office staff provide timely quotes and turnaround, with several reviewers noting estimates or proposals delivered quickly and work scheduled within days. In emergencies, the company consistently mobilizes fast—one reviewer described a same-day or next-day response to storm damage, with crews arriving promptly and handling the situation efficiently. Once on site, work is performed quickly and professionally, with thorough cleanup and careful protection of landscaping, leaving yards cleaner than before and the job finished as promised.

Credentials and Trust

ISA Certified

Employs one or more ISA-certified arborists - credentialed professionals who've passed rigorous testing in tree care science and best practices.

ISA-certified arborist capabilities are evident in Alsip, IL through the depth of tree-health expertise customers repeatedly note. On-site arborists are described as inspecting trees, sometimes taking photos, identifying issues such as disease or imbalance, and offering balanced pruning, cabling/bracing, or targeted treatments rather than only cutting. The pattern shows that credentialed staff provide not just removal and shaping but also ongoing care—fertilization, disease management, and root development—aimed at long-term tree health. Clients consistently highlight knowledge, safety, clear communication, and meticulous cleanup as hallmarks of a credentialed, science-based approach to tree care in this area.

Customer Experience

Affordable

Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.

Pricing is a consistent strength, with many customers describing Smitty's Tree Service as offering fair, competitive, and often unmatched rates for trimming, removal, and stump grinding. Discounts are frequently highlighted, including senior citizen reductions, coupon offers, and promotions like a Valpak discount that can be applied without asking. Several clients report receiving the lowest price among bids, and one review notes pricing that was literally half of a competing quote for similar work. Even for urgent or larger jobs in the Alsip, IL area, customers say they get good value through quick estimates, prompt service, and thorough cleanup at affordable prices. Overall, feedback patterns show affordability paired with professional service, modern equipment, and reliable results for residential and commercial tree care.

Cleanup Included

All debris - branches, logs, and brush - is hauled away as part of the job. No pile left behind for you to deal with.

Cleanup is a core part of their service in Alsip, IL, with crews systematically removing branches, leaves, and debris and returning the work area to a tidy condition. Customers consistently note that after trimming, removal, or stump work, the yard is left clean and often cleaner than before, with no stray debris and even neighboring areas cleared when needed. Stump grinding, mulch installation, and debris disposal are performed with thorough cleanup on site; many reviews mention on-site mulching and dirt replacement where appropriate. Equipment and crew coordination help minimize turf damage and ensure a neat finish, including blowing and sweeping to leave driveways clear and the property looking well cared for.