Advanced Tree Care Services

Tree care service at its best!

Winter Pruning: Why Timing Matters for Your Trees

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While most homeowners wait for the warmth of spring to think about their landscaping, dormant pruning(pruning during late winter) is actually the most critical step you can take for the long-term health of your trees.

At Advanced Tree Care, we specialize in structural pruning during the winter months to ensure your canopy is resilient, healthy, and ready for a vibrant spring flush.

 

Why Winter is the “Golden Window” for Pruning

Pruning while a tree is dormant isn’t just convenient—it’s scientifically superior for several reasons:

Reduced Stress: Because the tree isn’t actively putting energy into leaf production, it handles the “shock” of pruning much better than it would in June or July.

Maximum Visibility: Without leaves, our certified arborists can see the “bones” of the tree. This allows us to easily identify structural defects, crossed branches, or hidden decay that is obscured in the summer.

Faster Healing: Pruning in late winter allows the tree to begin the sealing process immediately when the spring growth surge hits, minimizing the time the “wound” is exposed.

Disease Prevention: Many pests and fungi (like Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease) are dormant in the winter. Pruning now significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Selecting the Right Professional for the Job

As noted in our previous guides, tree care is complex. Winter pruning, specifically structural pruning, requires a high level of expertise. When selecting a service this season, ensure they meet these professional standards:

FeatureWhy It Matters for You
Certified ArboristsPruning is a science. Our team at Advanced Tree Care understands tree biology, ensuring cuts are made to promote health, not just “clear space.”
Licensed & InsuredWinter conditions can be unpredictable. We are fully bonded and insured to protect your property and our crew from any liability.
Advanced TechnologyWe utilize the latest arborist tools and communication tech to provide efficient, safe, and precise service, even in harsh weather.
Regional ExpertiseServing 3 counties in Chicagoland, we understand the specific climate stressors affecting local species during the winter months.

The Advanced Tree Care Difference

We don’t just “cut branches.” We utilize a combination of top-notch equipment and well-trained staff to restore your property to tip-top shape. From 24-hour emergency removals to strategic seasonal maintenance, Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s our purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoiding “Tree-Mergencies” in 2025: Your Essential Guide to Preventive Tree Maintenance

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preventive tree maintenance
Winter tree maintenance is a vital component to a comprehensive preventive tree maintenance plan for your trees.

As the beautiful colors of fall give way to the challenging weather of winter, homeowners in Chicagoland need to shift their focus to preventive tree maintenance. This proactive care is the single best investment you can make to safeguard your property and trees against the destructive forces of winter storms, heavy snow, and high winds.

Don’t wait for a crisis! Investing in maintenance now can prevent a costly and stressful “tree-mergency“—which often means avoiding the expense and heartache of an emergency tree removal in the middle of a blizzard.

At Advanced Tree Care, we are committed to helping property owners maintain strong, healthy, and safe trees throughout our nine-county service area. Here are our top professional tips for essential autumn and early winter tree care.

 

Preventive Tree Care: 5 Essential Steps

1. Prioritize Tree Inspection and Risk Assessment

A professional tree inspection is the cornerstone of any effective maintenance plan. This is not just a quick look—it’s a detailed risk assessment by a certified arborist.
Use this homeowner checklist as a starting point:
● Check for Leaning: Is the tree upright, or is it showing a noticeable, sudden lean? This can indicate compromised roots.
● Identify Root Damage: Look for signs of damage, decay, or significant soil erosion around the root flare (the base where the trunk meets the ground).
● Evaluate Proximity Hazards: Are any branches dangerously close to your roofline, siding, chimney, or utility lines/cables? These are prime candidates for damage during ice storms.
● Scan for Structural Defects: Inspect the junctions between major branches and the trunk for cracks, splits, or fractures. These structural issues are weak points that can fail under snow load.
● Review Canopy Health: Did the tree’s leaves show any unusual discoloration, early dropping, or thinning this past season? This can signal underlying health problems.

💡 Arborist Tip: If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of a large tree,
hire a licensed arborist immediately. Early detection of a hazard can save your
home.

2. Strategic Winter Tree Pruning & Deadwood Removal

preventive tree maintenance
Looking for damage around the base of your trees, regardless of age, is a necessary component of any preventive maintenance inspection.

Late fall and early winter are the optimal times for tree pruning because most trees are entering dormancy.
● Hazard Mitigation: We strategically trim branches to ensure clearance from structures and power lines. Pruning eliminates potential leverage points for wind and ice damage.
● Deadwooding for Health: Decaying deadwood is a magnet for pests, wood-boring insects, and harmful fungi. Removing it now helps prevent the spread of disease to the healthy parts of the tree, strengthening it for winter stress.
● Aesthetic Pruning: Dormancy pruning also allows us to shape the tree, promoting a strong and aesthetically pleasing structure once spring returns.

3. Essential Leaf Removal (Pest and Disease Control)

While tedious, thorough leaf removal is a non-negotiable part of winterizing your yard.
● Lawn & Root Health: A thick layer of wet leaves smothers your grass and retains moisture around the base of your trees.
● Pest and Disease Sanctuary: Rotting leaves provide a perfect, damp habitat for destructive tree pests (like certain borers) and fungal diseases. Clearing the leaves prevents these afflictions from migrating to the trunk and roots of your healthy trees. Ensure your lawn and planting beds are clear before the first snowfall.

4. Protect Young and Vulnerable Trees

Newly planted trees require extra defense during their first few harsh winters to develop a strong
root system.
● Staking and Support: New deciduous trees may need staking for their first season or two
to provide stability against strong winds.
● Trunk Protection: Consider tree wraps or fencing to protect the delicate bark of young trees from sunscald (cracking caused by temperature fluctuation) and damage from foraging wildlife like deer and rabbits. This simple step yields healthier, stronger trees for decades.

 5. Soil and Watering Preparation

Even as temperatures drop, a thorough watering before the ground freezes is critical, especially for evergreens, which continue to lose moisture through their needles. This process is called deep root watering. Ensuring the soil has adequate moisture going into winter helps prevent dehydration stress, especially during dry winter periods.

 

Choose Advanced Tree Care: We Work for Thoughtful
Homeowners

At Advanced Tree Care, we recognize that our best clients are Good Homeowners—those who view their properties not just as a place to live, but as a crucial future investment for themselves and their families. This perspective demands reliable, long-term care, not a quick fix.

We are not just a one-time service; we are your long-term tree management partner.

Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect the tree work in their yard until an emergency forces them to act. This reactive approach is costly, dangerous, and often avoidable.

Our mission is to allow you to forget about the worries of tree health and safety entirely. When you partner with us, you are not hiring a regular tree company that does the job once and forgets about you. You are building a relationship with a dedicated arborist team committed to multi-year, seasonal care. We proactively track the health of your trees, scheduling necessary maintenance—from tree trimming to risk assessments—so you don’t have to.

Invest in Advanced Tree Care, and invest in the long-term safety and value of your property.

 

Don’t Delay—Schedule Your 2025 Winter Prep Now!

Simple preventive maintenance in the late fall can dramatically buffer your trees against winter damage—and the resulting emergencies.


Advanced Tree Care combines the use of cutting-edge arborist technology, certified staff, and top-tier equipment to provide reliable and efficient tree care services. From proactive hazard assessments and professional tree trimming to rapid emergency tree removal, we are the trusted arborists across the Chicagoland area.


Our name is our purpose: Advanced Tree Care—providing unparalleled safety, expertise, and customer service to protect and beautify your property and community.

📞 Call us today at 847-587-8500 or visit Our Scheduling Page to schedule your comprehensive preventative maintenance consultation and secure your long-term partnership!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plant Health Care Tips for Spring

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At long last, it’s spring! Many of us have eagerly awaited the growing season, especially over the long, cold winter months. If you’re ready to get your yard ready for warmer days, this guide is for you.

Know your zone

Let’s start with a note about spring in the Midwest: as you probably already know, it can be fickle. It’s essential to know your planting zone. The US Department of Agriculture created a 13-zone Hardiness Zone Map, which helps to guide gardeners and plant professionals on when and what to plant based on where they live. Most of Northern Illinois is Zone 5B, with a frost-free date of May 1-10 and a first frost date of September 21-30. These are averages, so it’s also wise to check the Illinois Water Survey’s map of the latest spring frost dates. (Not in Illinois? Check the Hardiness Zone Map above).

Spring tree care tips

Have trees on your property? They are already starting to come out of dormancy if they are deciduous (or lose their leaves each fall). This starts as early as February, as the trees prepare for the growing season ahead. You’ll first notice small buds, then early leaf growth, and then (typically in later April and early May) the trees in full flower. 

Early spring is a great time to check on tree health with these tips: 

  • Inspect your trees before they leaf out. Look for cracked, broken, or diseased branches—and prune them to protect your trees and property. 
  • Were any of your trees damaged by winter storms, snow, or ice? If so, early spring is a good time to remove them. Contact a certified arborist and tree care professionals. 
  • Adding to your landscape? Make plans to plant new trees on your property once weather permits, to give young trees time to grow and establish a strong root system

Fun fact: this year, Arbor Day is celebrated on Friday, April 28.  

Spring lawn care tips

Early spring is the ideal time to give your lawn a strong start to the season. Take the time to give your mower a tune-up if it has been sitting in the garage over the winter. 

A solid spring lawn care checklist includes: 

  • Clean-up, raking, and evaluating bare patches
  • Preparing and seeding the soil to address bare spots
  • Mow high early to give grass time to establish a healthy root system 
  • Fertilize at the time of the first mowing, and consider applying a 3-in-1 turf builder to control weed growth

See this article for more details on spring lawn care.

Spring garden tips

Do you have flowerbeds? Plant a vegetable garden or patio containers? You’ll want to make time to prepare these as well. 

After a long winter, you might need to edge and clean up your flowerbeds, and it’s easiest to do this when the soil is soft in the spring. Use a sharp-edged garden spade to redefine the borders. Examine perennials and shrubs for signs of damage over the winter. Apply mulch to a depth of 1-3” around the base of perennials and shrubs—but not on top of them. Be sure to include your trees in mulching too—but don’t pile mulch around the bark itself. Leave a couple of inches for the tree to breathe. Mulch suppresses weed growth and helps plants and trees retain moisture better in the hot months ahead.

For vegetable gardens, turn over the soil in early spring and consider adding enhancements like compost and manure. Cold-tolerant vegetables like carrots, lettuce, and beets can be sowed directly in the soil, even before the last frost date. For flowering plants like tomatoes and peppers, and most cutting flowers, wait until after the last frost date has passed. Containers can be planted and brought into the garage or other warmer zone during frost warnings. 

Spring houseplant care tips

Even your houseplants benefit from some spring plant care. Though they haven’t braved the outdoor extremes that many plants have, they have gone through a period of dormancy. Longer days and more hours of sunshine mean it’s time to up your watering frequency. Plants that have spent the summer on your windowsill might need to be moved away from direct sunlight so that their leaves don’t become yellowed or burnt. And just as you like turning your face up to the first warm rays, your houseplants do, too—so make plans to take them outside when it’s warm enough to do so. 

Looking to get your yard ready for spring? Advanced Tree Care can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

 

Residential Tree Care Services

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Tree Care Services for Homeowners

Most homeowners want only the best for their property—and we understand. You want the lush lawn, the fresh coat of paint, the flowers in the window boxes and the sparkling holiday lights. You’re willing to do what it takes to keep your home looking great. Don’t overlook tree care. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or in your first home, there is a lot you can (and should) do to take care of the trees on your property. Advanced Tree Care can help with our residential tree care services!

A Homeowner’s Guide to Tree Care

Many homeowners don’t know how to properly care for the trees on their property—but not you, because you’re reading this. Here are our top five homeowner tips for tree care:

  • Water your trees. This is the #1 most overlooked aspect of tree care. Young and mature trees require regular watering with a low drip or sprinkler near the root line.
  • Prune but don’t overprune or top your trees. It’s difficult for trees to recover. In addition, some types of trees should only be pruned during the dormant season (winter).
  • Remove dead or damaged trees right away. They’re a hazard.
  • Anticipate the size of a mature tree when planting. Don’t plant too close to your home, garage, or utility poles or wires.
  • Consider cabling trees with two or more branches.

When to Call a Professional Tree Service

Wondering when (or if) to call Advanced Tree Care? Tree care is a science, and experts can mean the difference in the health and beauty of your property. You’ll want to call us for:

  • Tree removal
  • Damaged or broken branches
  • Pruning or cabling
  • Symptoms of damage or disease, including fungus or mushroom, blemishes, or insect damage and more
  • Planting and property management planning

Residential Tree Care Services

We offer a wide variety of residential tree services to help homeowners like you care for your trees. These include:

Pruning

Pruning produces strong, healthy, and attractive trees. Pruning trees properly requires an artist’s touch and a scientist’s mind, which is why our arborist chooses the best pruning methods for your specific trees. Pruning can stimulate proper growth as well as address health and safety concerns—for the tree, and for your property. Advanced Tree Care professionals conduct all types of pruning: Class 1 – fine pruning, Class 2 – general pruning, and Class 3 – safety pruning.

Tree removalResidential Tree Services

Tree removal can be dangerous and requires expert planning and execution. There are many reasons for tree removal, from storm- or wind-damaged trees to planned removal for construction or property maintenance. Our arborist and expert staff will assess the tree and your property to create a specific plan for removal, including full site cleanup.

Stump removal

After a tree or shrub has been removed, the stump is left behind. Stump grinding is the most effective, efficient way to remove the remaining portion of the plant. Our professional staff will determine which of the five available stump grinding options is best for your needs, including recommendations for backfill, seeding, and more.

Maintenance programs

Periodic care and monitoring of the trees on your property can enhance their beauty and extend their lives. Advanced Tree Care offers a range of maintenance programs ranging from weekly to annual, including managing catastrophic events like the aftereffects of storm damage. Our regular plans include pruning, spring and fall cleanup, and more. We can work with you to determine the best plan for your needs and budget.

Land clearing and restoration

Whether you’re building to suit or your property needs a fresh start, Advanced Tree Care can help. Clearing, planning, permitting, scheduling, and installation are our specialties, and we can help you from start to finish. All land clearing and restoration plans begin with a free consultation.

Tree inventory and evaluation

Do you know everything you need to know about the trees on your property? Species, condition, lifecycle, condition, and whether they are native or invasive? A tree inventory can provide this information and establish a basis for monitoring tree health. Our inventories include identification, location, and assessment on a standard grading system for every tree on your property.

Advanced Thermal Tree Imaging

Using the latest technology, we can see tree health in a new light. Our forward-looking infrared cameras (FLIR) see beyond the normal spectrum of human vision to identify areas of concern and proactively manage tree care. FLIR cameras make advanced tree maintenance easier and more cost-effective.

Protect the investment you’ve made in your property with expert service from Advanced Tree Care. Whatever you need, we can help.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

 

Advanced Tree Care Acquires Sabatello Tree Care

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Lincolnshire, IL, December 7, 2022—Advanced Tree Care announces the acquisition of Sabatello Tree Care in Arlington Heights, IL. Effective immediately, existing Sabatello Tree Care customers will now receive residential and commercial tree care with the advanced technology, premium service, and attention to detail offered by Advanced Tree Care. 

Area growth

Advanced Tree Care has established itself as the go-to company for residential and commercial tree care in the Chicagoland area. Founded in 2008 and with a service area of 13 counties over two states, Advanced Tree Care provides services to over 28,000 residential customers and 16 government agencies for tree and landscape care in park districts, municipal and corporate campuses, business districts and more. From its inception, Advanced Tree Care has focused on providing advanced technology and top-notch service. The acquisition of Sabatello Tree Care follows Advanced Tree Care’s acquisition in 2020 of Topps Tree Service in Glenview, IL. 

“Next year marks Advanced Tree Care’s 15th anniversary,” founder and president Mike Bramucci said. “My vision in was to provide the best customer service through the latest technology and equipment—and over the last decade and a half, we’ve set the standard for efficient operations, cost control, and the latest innovations in tree service. We’re excited to expand our residential and commercial service through the northwest suburbs and to serve those who have trusted Sabatello Tree Care.”  

A new chapter 

For the last 35 years, Sabatello Tree Care has provided service in and around Arlington Heights. Founder and owner Dru Sabatello emphasized technology as a major factor in the acquisition decision. “After more than three decades, it’s time for this family-owned and operated business to have new leadership. Advanced Tree Care has the technology and support system to enhance service for our clients.”

About Advanced Tree Care

Mike Bramucci founded Advanced Tree Care in 2008 with the vision of providing superior customer service through the latest advanced technology and equipment to create operational efficiency. Mike earned his International Society of Arborist (ISA) certification at age 19 and was, at the time, the youngest certified arborist in the state of Illinois. Over the next 10 years, he perfected the art of tree care and gained experience managing teams before founding Advanced Tree Care. Combining technology, equipment and a well-trained staff, Advanced Tree Care delivers superior customer service in commercial and residential tree and landscape services including tree pruning, removal, maintenance, tree inventory, advanced thermal tree imaging, property maintenance programs, and much more. 

Advanced Tree Care is available 24/7 with a typical response time of one hour or under, day or night. Sabatello Tree Care customers can reach Advanced Tree Care’s offices at (847) 587-8500 or find more information at www.advanced-treecare.com. 

600 Industrial Dr
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 587-8500