Tree Service FAQs – Sawvell Tree Service (Lake County & the North Shore, IL)
Have questions about tree removal, trimming, insurance, or safety? Here are answers to the most common questions from homeowners across Lake County and the North Shore.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that proves a tree company carries active liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you, your home, and your property in case of accidents.
At Sawvell Tree Service:
We provide a COI upon request at no extra cost
It verifies our coverage is active and valid
It can be sent directly to you or your HOA
Why it matters:
Hiring an uninsured tree company can leave you financially responsible for injuries or damage.
Do I Need to Be Home During the Job?
No—you do not need to be present during the job.
As long as:
We’ve reviewed the scope of work
You’re comfortable with the plan
We have access to the work area
Our crew can complete the job safely and professionally without you there.
Many customers prefer this for convenience.
What Is JULIE and Why Is It Important?
JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) is a free service that marks underground utility lines before digging.
Before certain tree work (especially removals or stump grinding), utilities may need to be located.
JULIE helps identify:
Gas lines
Electric lines
Water lines
Communication cables
This prevents serious accidents and service disruptions.
What Do Utility Markings Mean?
After JULIE marks your property, you may see colored paint or flags.
Each color represents a different utility:
🔴 Red = Electric
🟡 Yellow = Gas
🔵 Blue = Water
🟢 Green = Sewer
🟠 Orange = Communication lines
⚪ White = Proposed excavation area
These markings help crews avoid damaging underground lines during work.
How Often Should Trees Be Trimmed?
Most trees should be trimmed every 1–3 years, depending on:
Tree species
Growth rate
Health and structure
Proximity to structures
Regular trimming improves safety, appearance, and tree health.
When Should a Tree Be Removed Instead of Trimmed?
A tree may need removal if it is:
Dead or dying
Structurally unstable
Severely storm-damaged
Leaning dangerously
Causing property damage
Our team can assess and recommend the safest option.
Are You Insured and Bonded?
Yes—Sawvell Tree Service is fully:
Insured
Bonded
We can provide a COI at any time upon request for your peace of mind.
Do You Offer Emergency Tree Service?
Yes—we provide 24/7 emergency tree service for:
Fallen trees
Storm damage
Dangerous or hanging limbs
Fast response helps prevent further damage.
How Much Does Tree Service Cost?
Pricing depends on:
Tree size and location
Accessibility
Equipment required
Risk level
We provide free estimates with clear, upfront pricing.
Do You Clean Up After the Job?
Yes—cleanup is always included.
We remove:
Branches
Logs
Debris
Your property is left clean and safe when the job is complete.
Do You Offer Stump Grinding?
Yes—we provide professional stump grinding to remove leftover stumps and improve your yard’s appearance and usability.
What Areas Do You Serve?
We proudly serve:
Lake County, IL
Cook County, IL
North Shore communities
Including:
Libertyville
Lake Forest
Highland Park
Deerfield
Northbrook
Glenview
Still Have Questions? Call Us Anytime!
847-566-9372
Serving Lake County & the North Shore
Emergency service available 24/7

