MadCowTree Service
When a tree needs to come down
Most removals we do start with one of a few problems: the tree is dead or dying, it has a split or crack in the main trunk, it's leaning toward the house, the roots are lifting a foundation or driveway, or it was simply planted in the wrong spot and has outgrown it. Ash trees killed by emerald ash borer are a big share of our removal work right now across Madison County and north St. Louis County. Once an ash has been dead for a season or two, the wood gets brittle and it becomes much harder and riskier to climb, so it pays to call early.
Not sure if your tree can be saved? Our arborists will tell you straight. If trimming, cabling or treatment makes more sense than removal, we'll say so.
How we take a tree down
- Look first. We walk the job, check what's under the tree (roof, fence, lines, septic, gardens) and decide whether to climb, use a lift or bring the crane.
- Protect the yard. Mats go down where the equipment drives. Limbs get roped and lowered instead of dropped when there's anything below.
- Cut it down in sections. Climbers and lifts take the crown apart piece by piece. On the big ones over houses, the crane lifts whole sections up and over.
- Clean up. Brush goes in the chipper, logs go on the grapple truck, and we rake and blow the yard. Stump grinding can be done the same day if you want it.
The equipment makes the difference
A lot of tree jobs around the Riverbend are not easy access: backyards behind privacy fences, trees leaning over the neighbor's garage, lots on the bluffs where you can't get a truck close. We run a crane, grapple trucks, a tracked spider lift that fits through a gate and track loaders. That means fewer climbers hanging in a dead tree, less dragging across your lawn and a faster job.
What does tree removal cost?
Every tree is different, so we price after we see it. The things that move the price are the size of the tree, how close it is to the house or lines, whether we can get equipment to it, how much wood you want hauled versus left for firewood, and whether you want the stump ground. The estimate is free and we'll give you a clear number before any work starts. Send a photo with the form and we can often give you a ballpark the same day.
Storm damage and insurance
If a tree has already come down on the house, a car or a fence, call 618-CUT-WOOD (618-288-9663) any time. Crews are available right away, 24/7. We work with your insurance company and can document the damage with photos for your claim. See storm damage and insurance.
Where we do tree removal
From our shop in Alton we cover about 30 miles on both sides of the river, including Godfrey, Edwardsville, Granite City, Collinsville, Jerseyville, St. Louis, Florissant, St. Charles and the rest of our service area.