Chicago, IL · storm damage
Storm damage tree removal in Chicago
Chicago's worst tree storms are summer derechos and downbursts, like August 2020's, which uprooted and split trees across the city and suburbs. After a storm, report fallen parkway trees to 311, call ComEd for lines, and have private trees on garages and houses removed first. Split silver maples and dead ash are the usual casualties.
Chicago at a glance
- Benchmark
- August 2020 derecho
- Parkway trees
- 311; Bureau of Forestry
- Usual casualties
- Silver maples, dead ash, Callery pears
- Access
- Alley lifts; cranes for trees on garages
Reviewed and updated
What a Chicago derecho does
A derecho is a long-lived line of storms with damaging straight-line winds. In August 2020, gusts strong enough to uproot and split trees swept across Chicago and the suburbs, and city forestry crews worked weekends clearing thousands of storm-damaged trees. Trees on ground saturated by earlier rain uproot; brittle silver maples and dead ash split and drop huge limbs.
Cleanup order after a Chicago storm
- 1
Lines first
Report trees on lines to ComEd; 911 for sparks or fire.
- 2
Parkway trees to 311
The city clears its own trees.
- 3
Private trees on houses and garages
These go to a tree service.
- 4
Hangers and split trees
Broken limbs still in the crown and split trunks.
- 5
Brush and wood
Last; ask the crew what they haul.
Chicago storm cleanup: safe vs. not
Do this now
- Stay inside during the storm and away from windows on the side facing large trees.
- Afterward, look for hangers before walking under any tree.
- Check whether your city is running a curbside debris program before paying to haul brush.
- Keep all receipts. Tree work may count toward insurance or disaster-assistance claims.
Never do this
- Don't run a chainsaw on wood that's bent, pinned or twisted. It can spring violently when cut.
- Don't approach any tree near downed lines. Lines can be live even when the power is out.
- Don't hire a company that wants full payment before starting.
Getting a crew to a Chicago backyard
On 25-foot lots, the only way to the backyard is often the alley or a narrow gangway. After a storm, alleys may be blocked by other fallen trees or lines, which slows access. Crews usually set up a lift in the alley and cut wood small enough to carry; trees on a garage roof may need a crane. Expect a site visit before a quote.
Split trees: keep or remove?
A tree that split at a major fork, lost more than half its crown, or has a lifted root plate usually needs removal. A tree that lost a few limbs can often be pruned back to sound wood. Dead ash that broke in a storm should come down entirely; the rest of the tree is just as brittle.
Removing a storm-damaged tree from a Chicago lot
- 1
Triage
Walk the property from a safe distance and list trees on structures, trees on lines, blocked exits, and hangers over walkways.
- 2
Emergency removals
Trees on structures and blocking access are removed first, usually in sections with rigging.
- 3
Hazard pruning
Hangers and broken stubs are removed from trees that will stay, with clean cuts at a branch collar.
- 4
Re-evaluate
Once the urgency passes, have an arborist look at the damaged trees that are still standing and decide what to keep.
Chicago cleanup after the derecho passes
For trees on houses, garages and lines.
For dead ash that survived the storm but won't the next.
For surviving trees with broken limbs.
Ash that didn't fall this time
Dead and declining ash are Chicago's weakest trees in a storm. If one survived this storm, it may not survive the next. Removing dead ash after the urgent storm work is done prevents the next emergency; see dead tree removal in Chicago.
Chicago storm damage questions
Who removes a parkway tree that fell in a Chicago storm?
The city. Report it to 311; the Bureau of Forestry clears city trees.
What was the August 2020 derecho?
A long line of storms with damaging straight-line winds that uprooted and split trees across Chicago and the suburbs.
Which split trees can be saved after a Chicago storm?
If it split at a major fork, lost more than half its crown or has a lifted root plate, usually yes. Lesser damage can often be pruned.
Why do trees uproot instead of snapping in Chicago storms?
When earlier rain has saturated the ground, roots lose their grip and the whole tree tips. Trees with roots cut by garage, sewer or sidewalk work go first.
Should I wait for the city before clearing my own fallen tree in Chicago?
No. The city only handles parkway trees. A tree from your yard on your garage or house is yours to have removed right away; just check for lines first.
How much does storm cleanup cost in Chicago if a crane is needed?
Crane work on a garage or house adds a minimum charge and setup in the alley; it's often still the safest option. See the emergency tree removal cost guide.
How long does it take to get a tree crew after a Chicago derecho?
For a tree on a house or garage, often a day or two; for yard cleanup, days to weeks after a widespread storm, as crews triage by risk.
Who do I call for a tree on a line in Chicago?
ComEd, and 911 for sparks or fire. Stay away from the line.
Why do silver maples break so often in Chicago storms?
They grow large with brittle wood and weak branch attachments, so big limbs fail in strong wind.
Will the city haul my private storm debris?
Generally not; private tree debris is the owner's. Ask your tree company what they haul.
How much does storm cleanup cost in Chicago?
It depends on size, alley access, lines and whether a crane is needed. See the tree removal cost guide.
Who removes storm-damaged trees near me in Chicago?
Insured local tree companies. You can call us to reach an independent provider in Chicago.
Sources for the local facts on this page
- WTTW: Chicago forestry crews clearing thousands of storm-damaged trees (checked 2026-10-03)
- City of Chicago: Dead or damaged trees (checked 2026-10-03)
Storm damage cleanup in Chicago
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.