The Davey Tree Expert Company in West Chicago

The Davey Tree Expert Company

(630) 338-0146 www.davey.com

395 Industrial Dr, West Chicago, Illinois 60185

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder, Chipper

Tree Services: Large Trees, Stump Removal, Tree Assessments, Tree Planting

Specialty Expertise: Fruit Tree Specialist

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, ISA Certified

Customer Experience: Cleanup Included, Affordable

Davey's ISA Certified Arborists has been providing professional tree care near West Chicago since 1880. Our certified arborists understand the local challenges you face with regional climate conditions and tree insects (pests) and diseases common to West 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, storm prep, and tree removal in the West Chicago and surrounding areas.

4.6 from 69 reviews

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Pros

  • They are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
  • Craig Baltes is a valuable asset to Davey Tree Removal.
  • The crew was very professional and answered questions.
  • They worked safely, worked hard, and did a great job.
  • The service was prompt and professional.
  • The crew was willing to discuss work with options when appropriate.
  • All Davey Tree Experts personnel are professional, courteous, knowledgeable, and do good work.
  • Another great job; everything was done well, cleaned up, and at a good price.
  • The tree specialists did a fantastic job; their work looks great; they were efficient and cleaned everything up.
  • They were on time and very professional.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 10% of total ratings

  • The reviews note poor communication and a lack of follow-up on estimates.
  • They describe Davey Tree as dishonest and extremely unprofessional, leaving the job incomplete and various cleanup tasks to the customer.
  • Several accounts mention scheduling chaos: double-booked equipment, changes in timelines, and multiple no-shows or missed appointments.

Review Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company in West Chicago is best suited for suburban properties with mature, high-risk, or hard-to-access trees, where complex pruning, precise removals near structures or neighbor disputes, and a clean, professional finish matter as much as the tree work itself. It’s a smart match for homeowners who want a full-service arborist partner rather than a quick trim crew: projects that require thoughtful planning, heavy equipment, and meticulous cleanup, with a willingness to invest in long-term tree health. Urgency works in their favor for storm damage or critical removals, where a coordinated team can respond fast and mobilize the right gear to protect people, property, and remaining landscape.

What distinguishes Davey is depth of arboricultural know-how and breadth of services. Across multiple jobs, the West Chicago crew has shown they can size up a site, discuss options with the property owner, and deliver a plan that aligns with both safety and aesthetics. Quotes often come from certified arborists who not only explain what will be removed or pruned but also why, with attention to how cuts will impact tree structure and future growth. They handle everything from delicate pruning of ornamental trees to removing very large specimens, often using cranes for trees near houses or in tight yards, followed by stump grinding and debris disposal. Beyond removal, they routinely offer fertilization, disease treatment, and ongoing landscape care, including hedge pruning and lawn feeds, positioning them as a one-stop partner for tree and shrub health.

Safety and cleanup consistently emerge as the decisive differentiators. The company’s crews are repeatedly described as safety-conscious, careful around other plants and structures, and thorough about debris removal. Projects frequently note that cut branches are promptly chipped or hauled away, and the yard is left clean, sometimes “immaculate.” The appeal here is not just cutting the tree but preserving the rest of the landscape and minimizing disruption to neighbors. When a job involves a large tree near a property line or a home, Davey’s approach, including equipment choices, crew positioning, and progressive cleanup, is designed to reduce risk and avoid collateral damage. This is where property owners will notice the real value of hiring a true arboricultural contractor rather than a general tree service.

Value comes with clear expectations and a willingness to invest in expertise. Several clients praise Davey for producing thorough, reasonable estimates and delivering high-quality results that justify the price, especially for large, complicated removals or advanced pruning. Yet there are occasional reminders that Davey isn’t the cheapest option and that price can reflect the scale of equipment, crew experience, and the guarantee of careful execution. The prudent buyer will demand a detailed, written scope upfront, specifying whether stump grinding is included, how many visits are anticipated, and what constitutes “cleanup.” A few reviews highlight communication lapses or scheduling hiccups, underscoring the need for a single point of contact and a firm, confirmed timeline to prevent surprises.

Reliability and professionalism repeatedly surface as core strengths, tempered by a few service-journey outliers. The West Chicago team earns praise for courteous, knowledgeable arborists and crews who show up on time, work efficiently, and finish with a clean site. Craig Baltes, a recurring name, is cited as particularly trustworthy and insightful, capable of translating complex tree health issues into actionable recommendations. The same dependable vibe extends through Kyle Omholt, Steve Matravers, Amy the sales arborist, and crews like Adan, Cesario, and Jalisco, who are noted for their care, communication, and finish quality. However, a minority of reviews report mixed communication, schedule changes, or incomplete follow-ups, including a notable case from years past highlighting frustration with responsiveness. This suggests that, while generally reliable, a prospective client should lock in written plans and confirm point-of-contact details to minimize friction.

Bottom line: for property owners in West Chicago facing significant pruning, removal, or landscape-health needs on medium to large lots, Davey Tree Expert Company is a strong, prudent choice. The firm’s arborists bring credible credentials, a practical, tree-centered mindset, and a track record of safe, thorough work that preserves the surrounding landscape. The best-fit clients understand that the service premium pays for precision, prevention of collateral damage, and a result that looks as good as it is safe. The ideal engagement includes a clear scope, a single, named contact, and a demand for punctual, documented scheduling with upfront confirmation of safety measures and cleanup commitments.

Actionable guidance for prospective clients: request a consultation with a named arborist (Craig Baltes is repeatedly highlighted for reliability and clarity), and insist on a detailed written plan that covers scope, methods, equipment, and timing. Confirm that stump grinding is included or scheduled, and clarify post-work cleanup standards. If exact timing is critical, establish a fixed window and a backup plan to avoid delays. For emergency or storm-related work, acknowledge that rapid response is feasible, but still request a pre-job safety briefing and a post-service recap of what remains to be done. In short, Davey Tree West Chicago delivers professional, safety-forward, visually impressive tree work that protects people and property, ideal for discerning homeowners who demand excellence and can tolerate a higher upfront investment to guarantee long-term landscape health.

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 part of their West Chicago tree care, typically included with removal projects and handled with the same level of professionalism as pruning or cutting. Crews have ground very large stumps and left the area tidy, often after trimming, chipping, and thorough debris cleanup to restore the landscape. Notable teams, such as Kyle Omholt and his crew, have demonstrated the ability to manage substantial stumps in front yards with efficiency and care for surrounding plants. Across multiple jobs, customers consistently report punctual, professional service and clean, polished results after stump grinding.

Chipper

On-site wood chipping turns bulky brush and branches into manageable mulch. Efficient cleanup and an option to keep the chips for your garden.

On-site chipping is a core capability in West Chicago, IL, with crews consistently feeding cut branches and large limbs into a chipper right at the job site. The pattern across feedback shows that the chipped material is produced on site and the team leaves the area meticulously cleaned, removing the chipped debris and tidying the yard. customers note that even heavy or extensive pruning and tree-removal projects are handled efficiently, turning branches and trunks into chips while maintaining safety around plants and property. This chip material handling is commonly integrated with stump grinding or removal, contributing to a neat, debris-free result.

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.

Large_tree work is a clear strength, with crews routinely tackling very large removals and complex pruning through careful planning and heavy equipment. Customers repeatedly note expert removals of sizable trees near homes and property lines, with arborists mindful of nearby plants and neighbors’ yards. In West Chicago, IL, one job required the largest crane to reach a massive silver maple in a backyard, removing it in large chunks and lifting sections over the house, followed by stump grinding and thorough cleanup. Across projects, the teams are described as safe, professional, and efficient, delivering meticulous cleanup, chipping, and landscape restoration that leaves the yard looking well cared for. Assessments and planning are collaborative, with arborists offering clear options and guidance to address large-tree needs while protecting property.

Stump Removal

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

In West Chicago, stump removal is routinely integrated with tree removal work, with stump grinding used to eliminate the stump after the tree is removed. Crews are described as thorough and careful, grinding the stump and then cleaning up debris and chips to leave the yard tidy. They have handled very large stumps and tight spaces near neighboring properties, using the right equipment and planning to complete the job efficiently, often in the same visit as the tree removal. Customers note reliable, professional crews who clearly communicate the scope and ensure the property is returned to its pre-work condition.

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.

Their tree assessments diagnose health, pest and disease risks and translate findings into clear, prioritized actions for pruning, removal, fertilization, and treatments. Customers note that arborists provide insights on other trees on the property and tailor recommendations to budget and timing, not just a single-service quote. In West Chicago, IL, on-site evaluations are delivered by ISA Certified Arborists with access to Davey Institute research, supporting disease and insect control, tree health inspections, and related care plans. The assessments come with explanations of what is necessary now and what can wait, and crews routinely discuss options with clients before proceeding. Feedback emphasizes professional, careful handling of landscapes and neighboring properties, with arborists explaining what they are doing and why and seeking client approval.

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 is treated as a deliberate, later phase in their West Chicago service flow, with arborists outlining when planting will occur after the initial work and, when possible, sourcing the appropriate stock. Customers note that staff explain why certain trees are chosen and provide guidance on site conditions, reflecting informed, consultative planning. On projects where planting is included, crews coordinate the planting with other work, aiming for a smooth transition and thorough cleanup so the site remains tidy. Some feedback highlights scheduling and communication hiccups around the planting timeline, indicating room for improved consistency in timing and updates. Overall, the pattern shows the West Chicago team can integrate tree planting into a comprehensive care plan, backed by long-standing local expertise and a focus on thoughtful, aesthetically aligned results.

Specialty Expertise

Fruit Tree Specialist

Experienced with the pruning, shaping, and care of fruit-bearing trees. The right cuts at the right time keep trees productive and healthy season after season.

Fruit-tree care is a clear strength, with arborists pruning and thinning crabapple trees to improve form, air flow, and flowering potential. They offer targeted fertilization and disease/insect control for fruit-bearing species, and customers note plans to treat crabapple trees and ongoing fertilization for trees and shrubs. Homeowners consistently report that the arborists explain what they’re doing and why, and discuss options before proceeding. Crews protect surrounding landscape and provide thorough cleanups, demonstrating a careful, professional approach well suited to residential properties in West Chicago’s climate.

Emergency and Storm

Storm Cleanup

Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.

Storm cleanup is a clear strength, with rapid post-storm response and decisive on-site action. Arborists respond promptly after damage, and crews remove downed branches and damaged limbs even in hot, humid conditions. They are equipped to handle large-scale removals near structures, often using cranes to reach tall trees while protecting neighboring properties. Cleanups are thorough, with debris and chips cleared and yards left neat and orderly. Across West Chicago, customers repeatedly note professional, courteous crews who communicate plans and execute work with care for surrounding plants and nearby homes.

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.

Prompt responses and quick mobilization define their service pattern, with arborists promptly scheduling site visits and delivering clear estimates after inquiries. On-site assessments are routinely fast, as experts discuss options and answer questions without delay. In urgent situations like storm damage, crews mobilize quickly to remove hazards and clear debris, even under challenging conditions. Day-of-service patterns show on-time arrivals, efficient work, and thorough cleanup, often completing substantial tree work in just a few hours. Based in West Chicago with a long local history, they emphasize fast communication and coordinated scheduling to minimize homeowner disruption.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

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

Long-established expertise in local tree care dating back to 1880 underpins a proven capability to handle a broad spectrum of services in West Chicago. ISA Certified Arborists are repeatedly noted for their knowledge and clear guidance, delivering precise pruning and removal, tree health assessments, insect and disease control, fertilization, and thorough cleanup with courteous, professional service. Their capacity to tackle large, complex jobs—such as very large tree removals, stump grinding, and crane-assisted work while protecting neighboring landscape—reflects deep local experience and reliable resources. Across customer experiences, there is consistent professionalism, safety-minded operations, and strong care for property, with occasional notes about scheduling or communication that point to room for ongoing improvement.

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 West Chicago, IL provide informed property evaluations and tree health inspections, guiding treatments, insect and disease control, fertilization, storm prep, and removals with guidance grounded in Davey Institute research. Feedback consistently highlights their knowledgeable arborists—such as Craig Baltes, Kyle Omholt, and Steve Matravers—who explain what they will do, why, and how it benefits the landscape, and who tailor pruning and removal plans to each site. Customers report safe, thorough work with careful attention to cleanup, even on large removals requiring specialized equipment and crews, reflecting the certification-backed skill set. While a few notes on scheduling or communication appear, the overarching pattern shows strong ISA-certified capability delivering high-quality, professional tree care.

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 as part of the service, with crews consistently clearing branches, grinding stumps, chipping debris, and hauling away waste so the site is left neat. In West Chicago, customers repeatedly note yards are left meticulously clean—no scrap left behind, debris removed, and even outdoor furniture returned to its place. Work is described as no-mess, no-fuss, with thorough post-work cleanup after pruning, removal, or storm-related tasks. The pattern across engagements shows careful protection of surrounding plants and spotless results, reflecting a reliable, yard-affirming cleanup capability.

Affordable

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

Affordable pricing accompanies high-quality tree care delivered by ISA-certified arborists in the West Chicago area. Customers frequently note detailed, prompt estimates and fair pricing, with many saying the cost is more reasonable than competing providers. Work ranges from precise pruning of large trees to the removal of very big specimens, and crews are described as efficient, thorough, and meticulous about cleanup and protecting surroundings. Some feedback points to not being the cheapest option and occasional scheduling or communication hiccups, but the majority feel the value and results justify the price. Overall, this pattern shows a strong affordable capability that supports ongoing tree and shrub maintenance for local homes.