Is it really a removal?
Sometimes a big limb over the roof can come off and the tree can stay. Removal usually makes sense when the trunk or root flare is decayed, the tree has a new lean, more than half the crown is dead, or it's an ash with emerald ash borer damage. Get an opinion on site; photos only go so far.
How the day goes
- Walk-around. The crew looks at the tree, the drop zone, wires, and whether a lift fits through your gate.
- Locates. If the stump is getting ground, 811 marks buried lines first.
- Down in pieces. In most Oswego backyards there's a fence, a shed or a neighbor in the way, so the tree is usually taken down from the top in sections lowered on rope.
- Cleanup. Brush chipped, logs hauled or stacked, stump cut flush or ground. Ask which of these the quote covers.
Oswego rules that matter
Parkway trees are off-limits. Parkway trees are Village property, and the Village inspects and removes them at no charge. Don't let a crew cut one; call Public Works, 630-554-3242 (Village of Oswego).
Yard trees: we didn't find a Village permit requirement for removing an ordinary private tree, and the Village page says private trees are the owner's responsibility (Village). Confirm with Building & Zoning (630-554-2310) if you're unsure.
Building something? If mature trees come out under an approved tree preservation and removal plan, the Unified Development Ordinance requires replacements: 3 trees for a 6–12" trunk, 4 for 12–20", 5 for 20–30", 7 above 30", or a fee in lieu (Ord. 25-112, §11.02).
Contractor registration: the Village's permits page says contractor registration is no longer required, but the contractor's name, contact information and any state licenses must appear on permit submittals (Village permits page). Building & Zoning (630-554-2310) can answer questions about permits.
What sets the price
Height, trunk size, what's underneath, access, dead or brittle wood, and whether stump grinding and haul-away are included. Only a site visit gives a real number.
Maples
Maples are 42% of the Village’s own trees (Shaw Local); big silver and Norway maples over roofs are a common removal.
Ash
EAB reached Kendall County in 2009 (Chronicle Media). Untreated ash still standing is usually dead or close to it.
Where does all the wood go?
Plan for haul-away. Village brush pick-up is for homeowner trimmings, and the Township's Boulder Hill program says plainly it's for trimming and pruning, not whole-tree removals (Oswego Township). Ask whether chipping and log removal are in the price, or whether you want rounds left for firewood.
What changes the size of the job
Height and spread
Tall, wide trees come down in sections instead of one fell.
What’s underneath
Roofs, fences and wires mean lowering limbs on ropes.
Access
Can a lift or crane reach it, or does everything get carried out by hand?
Condition
Dead or rotten wood, especially dead ash, may not hold a climber.
Cleanup scope
Stump grinding, chipping, log haul-away and raking are often separate items.
Making two quotes comparable
- Same scope on both: stump, chipping, log haul-away, cleanup
- Fixed price, or hourly with a cap?
- Is a crane or lift included?
- Written quote with the scope listed
Good questions before you sign
- Can you send a certificate of insurance straight from your insurer?
- Will your name and contact info go on any Village permit, as the permits page requires?
- Is stump grinding included, and how deep?
- How will you protect the lawn, fence and driveway?
- What happens if you find rot halfway through?
- When can you start, and how long will it take?