Network status in Chicago: no operators are listed here yet. The network is being built, and we don't have job-volume figures for this area to share. We'll be upfront about what we see before you commit to anything.
How the marketplace works for operators
- Homeowners request jobs. They describe the work on TreeService.co by ZIP and service.
- We turn it into a job brief. The request is structured the way an estimator would want it, not just a name and a phone number.
- The brief goes to a matching operator. It's routed to an operator in the network who covers that ZIP and does that service, not blasted to a list of companies.
- You quote and do the work directly. The job, and payment for it, are between you and the customer.
What's in a job brief
- ZIP code and matched town
- Service type and urgency (routine, soon, storm damage, emergency)
- Residential or commercial property
- Number of trees and approximate height
- Species, if the homeowner knows it
- Where the tree is and how equipment gets in
- What's near the work: power lines, structures, fences, pools, slopes
- A short description in the homeowner's words
- Photos, when provided
- Contact details and consent to be contacted
The Chicago market: what jobs look like
Chicago has cold winters with lake-effect snow near the shoreline, hot humid summers, and a severe-thunderstorm season. Fast-moving lines of storms, including derechos, can drop large limbs over wide areas. Frozen winter ground can make access easier for heavy equipment without damaging lawns.
Common job drivers
- Emerald ash borer has killed many ash trees in the region. Dead ash becomes brittle and harder to climb safely the longer it stands.
- Dutch elm disease still affects American elms; diseased elms need prompt attention.
- Silver maples grow fast and often develop weak co-dominant stems and decay.
- Narrow city lots and alleys often mean rigging trees over garages and fences.
Species you'll be quoting
- Honey locust
- Silver maple
- Norway maple
- Littleleaf linden
- American elm
- Bur oak
- Ash (many already lost to EAB)
Permits and HOAs your customers will ask about
In Chicago, parkway trees (between the sidewalk and street) are generally city trees, and residents request service through the city (311) rather than hiring a private crew to cut them. Suburbs usually manage their parkway trees the same way. Trees on private property are generally the owner's responsibility.
Seasonality
Dormant-season pruning (late fall through winter) is common in the Chicago area and is recommended for elms and oaks to lower disease spread. Dead ash should be removed before it gets too brittle to climb.
Area context
Within the city, many homes have narrow lots with alley access. Inner-ring suburbs have dense, mature canopies, and outer suburbs have larger lots with younger trees planted to replace lost ash.
Before any digging or stump grinding: underground utilities have to be located first. In Illinois that request goes through JULIE (Illinois one-call), or dial 811. Ask any operator whether they place the locate request before grinding.
Sources and official contacts
- JULIE (Illinois one-call)
- Call 811 (national call-before-you-dig program)
- City of Chicago: Bureau of Forestry
What Chicago homeowners ask about
From our homeowner guide for Chicago.
Who removes the tree in front of my Chicago house?
If it's in the parkway between the sidewalk and street, it's generally a city tree. Request service through 311 rather than hiring a private crew. Trees on your own property are your responsibility.
Should I remove a dead ash tree?
Usually yes, and sooner is better. Dead ash dries out and becomes brittle, which makes removal more dangerous and often more expensive as time goes on.
Pricing and fees
Operators, not homeowners, pay to receive job requests. We haven't published pricing yet. We'll go over fees with you before you receive any job, and sending the interest form costs nothing.
Joining the network in Chicago
Can I get job requests from Chicago through TreeService.co?
That's what this page is for. Send your company details and service area, and we'll follow up about routing Chicago job briefs to you. The network is new, so we'll be clear about request volume before you commit.
Do I need an office in Chicago?
No. You need to actually serve Chicago or the ZIP codes you choose. We won't list you anywhere you don't work.
Who pays?
Homeowners don't pay to request quotes. Operators pay to receive job requests. We haven't published pricing; we'll go over it with you before you receive any jobs, and filling in the interest form doesn't commit you to anything.
What kinds of jobs come through?
Residential and commercial requests for tree removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding, emergency and storm damage, and land or lot clearing. You choose which services and which areas you want.