The Davey Tree Expert Company in Burr Ridge

The Davey Tree Expert Company

(630) 755-0395 www.davey.com

11S165 Madison St, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527

Equipment and Capabilities: Bucket Truck

Tree Services: Large Trees, Works Near Structures, Tree Assessments, Tree Planting

Specialty Expertise: Works Near Power Lines

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, ISA Certified

Emergency and Storm: Quick Response

Customer Experience: Cleanup Included

Davey's ISA Certified Arborists has been providing professional tree care near South Chicago since 1880. Our certified arborists understand the local challenges you face with regional climate conditions and tree insects (pests) and diseases common to South Chicago. With research and science from the Davey Institute, we can provide the highest quality services in the industry with personalized local tree services for tree trimming, tree cutting, shrub pruning, tree health inspections and treatments, tree insect and disease control, tree and shrub fertilization, lawn care, storm prep, and tree removal in the South Chicago and surrounding areas.

4.5 from 71 reviews

5 stars
57
4 stars
5
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 stars
5

Pros

  • The crew arrived on time, worked efficiently in rough weather, and safely cleared branches toward the house.
  • They delivered solid, professional work under less-than-ideal conditions.
  • Cleanup was top-notch and thorough.
  • Leo and Ivan did a fantastic job, and the cleanup was excellent.
  • Jessica, the arborist, is excellent and clearly explains proposed work.
  • Antonio's tree-trimming crew was outstanding and did an excellent job.
  • The service is very prompt and professional.
  • The technicians are professional and polite, consistently delivering good results.
  • They provide excellent customer service and fair value for the price.
  • The arborists are top-notch, with proactive care to keep trees healthy.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 13% of total ratings

  • There was a glitch in the restart of the electrical service, leaving the house cold while the reviewer was ill.
  • The job supervisor needs to learn to check the details.
  • Scheduled service was delayed by months due to weather, and the bucket truck left large ruts in the lawn; minor requests were dismissed as not on the work order, which was disappointing.

Review Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company in Burr Ridge is best suited for property owners who manage mid- to large-size single-family lots with mature trees, complex pruning or removal needs, and a premium-or-better budget that prioritizes long-term health and risk reduction. This is the outfit for projects that demand technical know-how, removing dangerous limbs near the house, negotiating access around other vegetation, or lifting heavy pieces with a crane when space is tight. Urgency matters, too: for weather-related damage or storm aftermath, Davey often responds promptly with a capable crew, and even in less-than-ideal conditions they deliver professional results. For owners who value reliability and a team with proven, hands-on experience, Davey stands out.

Safety and cleanup are the defining benchmarks of the Davey operation. Across multiple jobs, crews are described as highly capable climbers and operators, handling high-risk tasks near structures and power lines with measured, deliberate control. The best-case demonstrations, the 50-foot oak removal behind a house, the careful pruning of branches threatening a roof, and the swift, tidy cleanup that leaves no debris, illustrate a standard that prioritizes safe execution and post-job orderliness. Yet, safety discourse must acknowledge that heavy equipment can leave a property footprint: a bucket truck sometimes leaves large lawn ruts, and soil displacement can occur on delicate landscapes. The prudent expectation is that Davey will minimize disruption where feasible, but property owners should discuss access and recovery plans upfront and insist on a documented cleanup scope to avoid surprises.

The company’s reliability hinges on professional process and informed guidance, with an emphasis on technical know-how rather than marketing polish. Several reviews praise the arborists for clear, practical explanations of options, and for giving customers a transparent road map that emphasizes necessary work over wishful spending. The intake and consult process, often led by a knowledgeable arborist such as Jessica, frequently earns high marks for punctuality and thoroughness. However, some customers report gaps in follow-up or scheduling delays, sometimes tied to weather or operational transitions between locations. The prudent approach is to secure a written scope, a concrete schedule, and a defined point of contact, then track commitments in writing to shield against slow responses or scope creep.

In terms of breadth, Davey’s strength lies in both routine maintenance and high-stakes interventions. The service catalog spans pruning, deadwood removal, and routine fertilization, to dramatic removals of hazardous trees near structures or utility lines, often accomplished with professional climbing crews or crane-assisted maneuvers. Emerald ash borer management, targeted fertilization programs, and long-term landscape plans reflect a seasoned, ecosystem-savvy approach. Instances of near-impossible feats, removing a dead tree behind a house, lifting trunk sections over a roof with a crane, or grinding stubborn stumps, underscore the team’s capacity to execute complex work that smaller outfits shy away from. The on-site teams, names repeatedly cited like Art, Jessica, Antonio, Eddie, Ryan, Matt, Jorge, and others, signal a stable, experienced crew culture that translates into consistent results.

The pricing conversation is nuanced. Davey earns praise for the value delivered through durable, high-quality work, with many customers acknowledging that the service is not cheap but is commensurate with the risk management and longevity it affords. Several reviews highlight excellent value for protecting landscape investments and maintaining tree health over many years. Yet, others label certain offerings as over-priced or insist that some lawn and fertilization components feel inconsistently executed. The sharp takeaway: price sensitivity is real, but the payoff is tangible for projects where a wrong cut or a botched removal can lead to expensive damage or years of compromised tree health. Owners should request a detailed, itemized estimate and ask for a clear justification of each line item, especially for larger removals or proximity-to-structure jobs.

For property owners weighing a decision, the practical verdict is clear: Davey is an excellent fit for discerning clients who prioritize safety, precision, and long-term arboricultural health over price symmetry. It is the choice for complex removals, risky work near buildings or power lines, and situations demanding a calm, methodical crew leadership. It suits homeowners who can tolerate occasional scheduling variability and who insist on a rigorously defined plan, complete with written scope, anticipated cleanup outcomes, and a realistic timeline. While some experiences underline the importance of clearer follow-up and steady communication, the core capabilities, professional arborists, well-coordinated crews, and a track record of protecting and restoring valuable trees, remain compelling reasons to partner with Davey for significant tree work.

In the end, The Davey Tree Expert Company earns its recommendation for clients who want mission-critical tree care executed by seasoned professionals. It is a best-fit for those with mature landscapes where missteps carry lasting consequences, for projects that require specialized equipment or climber expertise, and for households prepared to invest in comprehensive, safety-forward service. Buyers should enter with a solid contract, explicit scope, and explicit cleanup standards, while ensuring that the arborist on site is empowered to explain alternatives and justify each recommended action. For urgent storms or high-stakes pruning and removal, Davey delivers the confidence that comes from years of training, coordination, and relentless attention to safety and finish.

Equipment and Capabilities

Bucket Truck

Uses an aerial bucket truck for safe, efficient access to tall or hard-to-reach branches. Faster and more stable than climbing for many jobs.

Access to tall branches and work near structures is consistently supported by their crews using elevated access gear to reach difficult heights. Customers repeatedly note on-site teams deliver precise trimming and safe removal operations, even when conditions are challenging or weather is rough, with thorough cleanup afterward. In tight yards or restricted spaces, the crews’ use of elevated equipment enables safe, near-structure pruning without compromising nearby buildings or power lines. When ground access is limited, they also demonstrate the capability to move or lift large pieces using cranes to complete the job safely and efficiently. Overall, feedback reflects reliable, professional performance that prioritizes safe elevated access and clean, well-executed results.

Tree Services

Large Trees

Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.

Handling large trees is a standout capability, with Burr Ridge, IL crews routinely tackling multi-story specimens and large trunks in tight yards. Customer feedback highlights removals of very large trees near homes, including a dead 50+ year-old oak that was taken down with pieces lifted over the house by crane. Crews work safely near structures and power lines, removing branches and trees with precision without disturbing surrounding property. Trunk sections around 48 inches in diameter have been moved, illustrating the scale of work they can manage. Cleanup is thorough, with stump grinding and a clean, well-kept final result, and the work is led by seasoned supervisors with experienced climbers coordinating complex removals even in difficult conditions.

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.

Near-structure work is a core strength, with crews regularly operating close to houses and utility lines to prune, trim, and remove trees. They have demonstrated the ability to tackle tall trees near power lines, including cases where pieces are lifted over structures by crane to avoid damage. The work is performed with precision and safety, keeping branches away from homes and other structures while maintaining access and minimizing disruption. Cleanups following near-structure tasks are consistently thorough, leaving lawns and landscapes free of debris, and crews are described as highly professional and well-coordinated.

Tree Assessments

Offers professional evaluation of your trees' health, structure, and risk level. Useful before buying property, after storm damage, or when a tree just doesn't look right.

Thorough on-site tree assessments and clear, customized guidance are a recurring capability reflected in client feedback. Arborists such as Jessica are repeatedly praised for inspecting trees thoroughly, explaining proposed work in detail, and presenting multiple solution options to help clients avoid unnecessary expenses. In high-stakes settings, crews demonstrate precise assessment and safe execution, such as the removal of a tall pine near power lines, with teams explaining risks and coordinating closely with homeowners. Follow-up and ongoing communication after assessments are common, with arborists providing timely advice and revisiting plans as questions arise. Across Burr Ridge and the Chicago area, the approach combines proactive treatment planning, storm-prep considerations, and tailor-made care to keep trees healthy and risk low.

Tree Planting

Not just removal - these companies help you add trees too. Proper planting technique gives new trees the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Planting multiple replacement trees is a demonstrated capability, with a customer noting they were asked to remove a sick tree and plant 5–6 new trees on their property. Arborists provide planting guidance and options, and clients report appreciation for replacement plantings suggested by staff like Matt, reflecting thoughtful species selection for their landscape. Professional crews show up on schedule and complete work with care, leaving the site clean after planting and related tasks. In Burr Ridge, the team relies on ISA-certified arborists to tailor planting plans to local climate conditions and pest considerations, supporting healthy establishment of new trees as part of ongoing landscape care.

Specialty Expertise

Works Near Power Lines

Trained and equipped to work near energized power lines. This specialized work requires specific qualifications - not every company should attempt it.

Power-line adjacent work is a core capability for Davey Tree Experts in Burr Ridge, IL, with crews trained to safely manage trees near energized lines. Customer patterns show they can handle high-risk trimming and removal of large trees close to power lines, using skilled climbers and precise planning, and in tight spaces employ equipment like cranes to move heavy limbs away from structures. A notable job involved removing a 50-foot pine near power lines, executed with safety, thorough cleanup, and careful coordination to avoid impacting nearby systems. The team earns praise for professionalism, clear explanations of options from arborists like Jessica, and reliable follow-through on cleanup and next steps. They also respond promptly in storm situations, inspecting damage quickly and mobilizing crews within days to address risk to power lines and property.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.

With a long-established history dating back to 1880, Davey Tree's capability reflects generations of professional tree care that customers rely on for ongoing services and complex projects. Feedback consistently notes knowledgeable arborists who explain options, craft proactive treatment plans, and provide clear, thorough estimates tailored to local climate and pests. On-site crews, led by experienced supervisors, perform precise work on large trees near structures and power lines, delivering safe, cleanup-focused results even in challenging conditions. Patrons also highlight responsiveness and follow-through during storms or urgent scenarios, underscoring reliability built over decades. While there are occasional concerns about scheduling or pricing, the prevailing pattern is trust and satisfaction earned through long-term, high-quality service across a wide range of tree and lawn needs.

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 arborists in Burr Ridge translate local climate and pest knowledge into targeted tree health plans, covering pruning, disease and insect control, fertilization, and storm-prep. Customers consistently highlight the arborists' ability to explain options clearly, tailor solutions to species, and propose proactive treatments—such as Emerald Ash Beetle management—rather than generic service. On-site teams are praised for safe, precise work in challenging settings (including near power lines) and for thorough cleanup that leaves properties looking neat. While some feedback notes scheduling and follow-up hiccups, the overall pattern shows highly professional, knowledgeable arborists delivering reliable, long-term tree care in the South Chicago area.

Emergency and Storm

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 and swift mobilization define their service in Burr Ridge and the South Chicago area, with customers consistently noting prompt scheduling and on-site readiness. Crews are described as arriving on time, working efficiently even in rough weather, and delivering thorough cleanup after pruning, removal, or storm-related work. In urgent situations, they quickly assess damage and mobilize a crew—examples note prompt damage evaluation and a crew on site within a week after storm events such as the Chicago derecho. Arborists and coordinators, including Jessica, provide clear explanations, easy appointment setup, and timely follow-ups, with questions often answered within hours. Even when weather delays occur, the team demonstrates dedication to completing the work promptly and to a high standard.

Customer Experience

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 included and routinely delivered to a high standard, with crews removing branches, debris, and clippings and leaving driveways and lawns clear. Customer feedback consistently cites cleanup as a standout, with phrases like cleanup was excellent and clean up was top notch. Even when weather or site constraints complicate the job, crews complete the work and leave the property tidy—reports describe the yard being raked and no debris behind. Work near structures or power lines is performed with careful cleanup, and after stump grinding or large removals, the site is left ready for use.