Safe & Professional Tree Removal

When a massive oak starts leaning toward your Edwardsville home after a spring thunderstorm, or a decades-old maple in your Troy backyard finally succumbs to Emerald Ash Borer damage, waiting isn’t an option. You need a team that knows Metro East soil, weather, and tree species — and can move fast. BCS Tree Service has been that team since 1990.

Locally owned and operated from 8910 State Rt 162, Troy IL 62294, we’ve spent more than three decades removing trees safely across Madison County, St. Clair County, and the entire Metro East region — from Alton and Godfrey to Belleville, O’Fallon, and everything in between. When you call us, you talk to a real person who will be out for a free estimate quickly.

Tree Removal Services

Illinois doesn’t go easy on its trees. The Metro East region experiences some of the most challenging tree-health conditions in the Midwest:

Heavy clay soils in Madison and St. Clair Counties prevent proper root drainage, causing root rot that can topple even large, seemingly healthy trees without warning.
Severe thunderstorms and derechos — common along the Mississippi River corridor — subject trees to 70+ mph straight-line winds that can split multi-trunk specimens in seconds.
Winter ice storms coat branches with heavy glaze ice, snapping limbs or uprooting trees with shallow root systems.
Emerald Ash Borer has decimated thousands of ash trees across Madison County, leaving brittle, structurally compromised specimens that become projectiles in any major storm.
Oak Wilt, a fast-spreading fungal disease, kills oak trees from the crown down — and dead oaks near homes represent a serious safety risk.

A tree that provided 40 years of shade and beauty can become a liability overnight. Our certified arborists assess every situation with experienced eyes, giving you an honest recommendation: remove, trim, or monitor.

Common Signs Your Tree Needs to Be Removed

Visible lean that developed after heavy rain or storm — especially when the root plate is exposed
Multiple co-dominant stems (v-shaped forks) under tension — these split catastrophically
Dead or dying major limbs accounting for more than 25% of the canopy
Trunk cavities, decay, fungal conks (mushrooms) at the base, or soft wood
Proximity to power lines, roofs, garages, or play areas
Severe storm damage — hanging or partially attached large limbs (“widow makers”)
Advanced Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, or bacterial wetwood infestation
Roots heaving foundations, driveways, or underground utilities

Our Proven Tree Removal Process

Certified arborist site inspection and full risk assessment — we evaluate the tree, surrounding structures, utility lines, and soil conditions before any plan is made.
Custom safety plan — we determine whether sectional dismantling, crane-assisted removal, straight felling, or specialized rigging is appropriate for your specific site.
Precision removal — our crew works methodically, controlling every cut and lowering sections safely to protect your lawn, landscaping, fences, and structures.
Complete debris removal — all wood, branches, and chips are hauled away or, if you prefer, logs can be left for firewood (just ask!).
Thorough yard cleanup — raking, blowing, and restoration of the work area so your yard looks better than before we arrived.
Post-job arborist consultation — we walk you through any follow-up recommendations, including stump grinding, soil treatment, or replanting options.

Why Homeowners Across Metro East Trust BCS

Locally owned since 1990 — we live and work in these communities
ISA-certified arborists on every job — not just for estimates, but on-site during removal
A+ BBB Rating — earned through decades of honest, high-quality work
Fully insured — liability and workers’ comp protect you completely
Modern equipment — no climbing spikes on healthy trees, ever
We answer our phones — try us: (618) 319-4369

Pricing Factors for Tree Removal

Every tree and property is different. Here are the main factors that affect your estimate:

Pricing Factor	How It Affects Your Quote
Tree Height & Diameter	Taller, wider trees require more crew time, larger equipment, and more hauling. A 20-ft ornamental is far simpler than a 70-ft oak.
Number of Trunks	Multi-stem trees require individual rigging for each trunk, increasing time and complexity.
Tree Condition	Diseased, dead, or storm-damaged trees are more unpredictable and require additional safety precautions.
Location & Access	Trees over roofs, near power lines, in fenced yards, or on slopes require specialized techniques and add time.
Crane or Rigging Needs	When we can't fell freely, crane-assisted removal adds equipment cost but protects your property.
Debris Volume & Disposal	The more wood and brush, the more hauling trips. We can also leave logs for firewood to reduce cost.
Emergency vs. Scheduled	24/7 emergency response involves priority scheduling and may carry a premium over planned removal.
Stump Grinding (Add-On)	We can grind the stump flush with the ground in the same visit for a bundled savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does tree removal cost in Troy IL or Edwardsville?

A: Every job is priced individually based on tree size, species, location, access, and debris volume. Small single-trunk trees may start around $300–$500, while large trees near structures can run significantly more. We always provide a free, no-obligation written estimate before any work begins.

Q: Do you offer 24/7 emergency tree removal?

A: Yes. Storm damage doesn’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Call (618) 319-4369 any time — day or night — and we’ll get to you as quickly as possible.

Q: Will my lawn or landscaping be damaged during removal?

A: We take great care to protect your property. We use plywood mats on soft ground, carefully plan our access route, and clean up thoroughly when we’re done. Minor lawn impressions can occur with heavy equipment, but we do everything possible to minimize impact.

Q: Are your crew members insured and certified?

A: Yes. BCS carries full general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Our team includes ISA-certified arborists, and we are happy to provide proof of insurance before any job begins.

Q: How long does a typical tree removal take?

A: Most residential trees are removed in two to six hours. Very large trees or complex removals requiring cranes or extensive rigging can take a full day. We’ll give you a realistic time estimate when we visit for the free quote.

Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Troy IL or Madison County?

A: Permit requirements vary by municipality. Some cities in Madison County require permits for trees above a certain diameter. We can advise you on local requirements during our estimate visit.

Q: What happens to the wood and debris after removal?

A: We haul everything away as part of the job. If you’d like to keep logs for firewood, we’re happy to cut them to length and stack them for you — just let us know when you call.

Q: Can you remove a tree that's fallen on my roof or car?

A: Absolutely. Emergency structural removal is something we’re equipped to handle safely. We’ll secure and remove the tree while taking care not to cause additional damage to your property.

Q: Do you also grind the stump after removal?

A: Yes — stump grinding is available as a same-day add-on or as a separate service. Bundling removal and grinding in one visit is usually the most cost-effective option.

Q: How far in advance do I need to schedule?

A: For non-emergency jobs, we typically schedule within one to two weeks. Demand spikes after major storms, so the sooner you call, the sooner we can get on the calendar.

Customer Testimonials

BCS removed a very mature maple tree yesterday that was a danger to our home in Troy. They were prompt and on time with quote and scheduled job time. There were no problems and they did an excellent job cleaning up the site and even took a few extra limbs away I had stacked up. I highly recommend them.

BCS showed up on time with all their equipment and crew. The trees were at least 60 feet tall, and two were close to the property lines on each side. They were quick, efficient, and safe in their work. They were careful to keep any materials away from the neighbors' lawns. Even though the lawn was somewhat soft, they left very few minor ruts. Cleanup was thorough. Would definitely hire them again.

Very happy with the price and the work. Not only did they take down the oak tree and clean up the mess — they went the extra mile and cut the stump into seating for around a fire pit and cut the limbs for firewood. Highly recommended!