The Davey Tree Expert Company in Wheeling

The Davey Tree Expert Company

(847) 596-3062 www.davey.com

2371 Foster Ave, Wheeling, Illinois 60090

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

4.5 from 101 reviews

5 stars
83
4 stars
4
3 stars
3
2 stars
3
1 stars
8

Pros

  • They were very responsive and the job was well done and satisfactory.
  • They did a great job trimming the trees.
  • They were friendly, punctual, and offered a reasonable price.
  • John Drescher is very responsive and provides excellent advice.
  • The pruning was efficient and professional; the team worked well together and cleaned up thoroughly.
  • The crew was professional and courteous, leaving no mess behind.
  • Davey Tree is knowledgeable and understands how important trees are to homeowners.
  • The Davey team did an outstanding job pruning and removing trees, with careful, safe work and excellent cleanup.
  • Amando Limas is a joy to work with and answers questions promptly.
  • They coordinate with utilities and obtain permits as needed, demonstrating thorough planning and reliability.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 14% of total ratings

  • One reviewer described Davey Tree as overpriced and leaving a mess.
  • A reviewer said the crew did not show up for two scheduled appointments, indicating poor professionalism.
  • Several reviews labeled the firm as money-hungry and a sham, questioning their ethics.

Review Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company in Wheeling, Illinois is best suited for residential properties where tree work carries real risk or long-term health implications, and where the homeowner expects an arborist-led, fully coordinated operation. This is the team to call for large, mature trees, complex pruning or removals near structures, driveways, fences, or power lines, and for jobs that require permit handling, utility coordination, or stump and root work. It also suits property owners with a contingency budget who value a thorough, plan-driven approach over fast, cut-rate service. For storm-damaged limbs, diseased specimens, or trees that demand careful staging and precise limb dropping, Davey’s Wheeling crew consistently delivers a high-skill, safety-first result. In short, this is the choice for homeowners who want expert guidance, no-surprises execution, and a finished job that protects the landscape for decades.

Safety and cleanup standards are the defining edge here. The best reviews repeatedly note that Davey operates with safety as a core priority, teams coordinate with utilities, verify underground lines, and work with permits when needed. The cleanup is consistently described as meticulous: debris removal, ground protection, and even staging equipment to minimize lawn impact (such as laying plywood for track work and leaving the yard with no residual mess). Instances where crews notified neighbors or worked with the HOA in advance demonstrate a disciplined, professional footprint. While a few customers point to communication gaps around scheduling or advance notice, the overarching pattern is a safety-conscious, cleanup-driven operation that treats site integrity as non-negotiable.

On the workmanship front, Davey’s arborists bring depth of knowledge and a proactive maintenance mindset. Longtime customers praise not only what gets removed or pruned, but the rationale behind it, whether preserving a prized specimen, improving structural integrity, or steering a treatment plan to deter pests like emerald ash borers. Reputable reps and arborists routinely deliver detailed proposals, explain tradeoffs, and offer money-saving, health-preserving options. The company also demonstrates its value in the long game: regular pruning, fertilization programs, and targeted treatments that preserve vitality and prevent future losses. While there are occasional critiques about schedule responsiveness or price prompts, the consensus forgives these when the arborist-led guidance and reliable results are in view.

Site management and coordination emerge as a standout strength, especially for larger or more hazardous jobs. Several reviews highlight not only skill in cutting and lowering heavy limbs safely, but the execution of complex logistics, moving a crew with a cherry picker, coordinating shutoffs with utility providers, and carefully laying out work areas to protect adjacent plants and structures. There’s palpable emphasis on professional conduct and clear on-site communication, including pre-job walkthroughs and on-site confirmation of the exact limbs to remove. The most dramatic demonstrations of capability involve technical removals in tight spaces or on trees that demand precise landing zones; in these cases, Davey’s teams earn strong credibility for discipline and risk management.

Pricing and value are nuanced. The service is widely regarded as premium, and a number of reviewers note that the cost reflects the scope, risk, and expertise involved. Yet several customers report favorable outcomes, quotations ending up under initial expectations, or superior outcomes that justify the investment through fewer problems down the line. This variance means potential clients should secure a detailed, written scope of work, a clear timeline, and a transparent price proposal before work begins. The occasional complaint about price sensitivity or delayed quotes serves as a caution: expected value is high, but so is the need for precise expectations and robust communication to avoid sticker shock or scope creep.

Ultimately, the decision to hire Davey Tree in Wheeling should hinge on what the property owner needs now and what they’re willing to pay for peace of mind. This outfit excels for properties with significant trees, complex access, or urgent safety concerns where a certified arborist can shepherd the project from evaluation through cleanup. It’s less ideal for someone seeking a simple, quick, budget-prioritized trim with minimal planning. To maximize outcomes, insist on an on-site arborist assessment, a written plan that spells out the exact work, the sequence, and the cleanup standards, plus a clear notice plan for access and neighbor coordination. Above all, trust the expertise: Davey’s Wheeling teams routinely transform hazardous situations into safer, healthier landscapes, and that level of confidence comes only from years of careful, technically sound practice.