Serving Worden, Wood River, East Alton, South Roxana, Hartford, Edwardsville, Bethalto, Rosewood Heights, Gard, Holiday Shores, Roxana, Alton, and Godfrey.

Worden’s Complete Tree and Stump Removal Specialists
Some tree problems cannot be pruned away. When a tree is diseased beyond saving, structurally compromised after a storm, or positioned where it threatens your home, removal is the only responsible option. Arbor Junkies Tree Service handles the entire process, from the initial cut to stump grinding and final cleanup, so you are left with a safe, clean property and nothing left to manage.
Owner Eric Thornsberry has 18 years of professional climbing experience and is present on every job. We serve properties throughout Madison County and the wider Metro East, including neighborhoods near the SIUE Campus, Lewis and Clark Community College, Republic Services, and Rock Hill Trails.
Is It Time to Remove the Tree?
Trimming solves a lot of problems. It does not solve all of them. These are the situations where removal is typically the right call:
- The tree has sustained major structural damage from a storm and cannot recover safely
- Trunk decay, hollow sections, or extensive deadwood have made the tree unpredictable
- A root system is actively damaging your foundation, driveway, or sewer lines
- Disease or infestation has progressed to the point where the tree threatens surrounding trees on your property
- Construction, a new addition, or a landscape redesign requires clearing the space
Not sure which category your tree falls into? Eric will assess it honestly during your free estimate and tell you what actually makes sense for your situation.
How We Handle Tree Removal
Professional tree removal is not just cutting and hauling. Every job involves planning, sequencing, and the right equipment for the specific conditions on your property.
We begin with a full site assessment, evaluating the tree’s condition, structural lean, root spread, and proximity to structures, utilities, and fencing. For properties in established neighborhoods throughout Rosewood Heights, Gard, and Bethalto, where lots are tight and structures are close, that planning stage is what keeps a removal clean and controlled.
From there, our crew works with a fleet that includes bucket trucks, spider lifts, and rigging systems. These tools allow us to section and lower large canopy trees in a controlled manner even in confined spaces, rather than simply dropping them and hoping for the best. When the tree is down, we are not done. Wood, brush, and debris are cleared completely before we leave.
Stump Removal Is Part of the Job
A tree removal that ends at ground level is an incomplete job. The stump left behind will attract carpenter ants, termites, and wood-boring beetles. It will generate new sprouts that compete with surrounding plants. It will sit in the middle of your yard as a trip hazard and an obstacle for lawn equipment.
Arbor Junkies grinds every stump below grade using industrial stump grinders capable of handling any diameter, including decades-old hardwoods with extensive root flares. The cavity is backfilled and the site is cleaned up. Customers across Wood River, Alton, and Edwardsville consistently remark on how thorough the cleanup is when our crew finishes.
Combining tree and stump removal in a single visit is more efficient and cost-effective than scheduling them separately. We handle both.
One Company for the Whole Project
For clients dealing with more than a single tree, Arbor Junkies provides full land management services including site clearing, grading, dirt work, and excavation. Whether you are preparing a lot near the Lewis and Clark corridor for new construction or cleaning up a heavily wooded property outside Worden, you can hire us once and we manage every phase without handing you off to another contractor.
That continuity matters. It keeps projects on schedule, eliminates the communication gaps that come with multiple crews, and means the same accountable, experienced team sees the job through from start to finish.
Around-the-Clock Emergency Response
Storm damage creates removal situations that cannot wait. A tree on a roofline, a trunk across a driveway, a hanging limb over a power line. Arbor Junkies is reachable and responsive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency tree removal throughout Worden and the Metro East. We show up prepared and prioritize stabilizing your property before anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between stump grinding and full stump removal?
Stump grinding removes the visible stump and grinds the wood below grade, leaving the roots to decompose naturally underground. Full stump removal extracts the entire root ball, which is more invasive and rarely necessary for most residential applications. We will recommend the right approach based on your plans for the space.
Can you remove trees in tight spaces near fences or structures?
Yes. Our equipment selection specifically addresses this. Spider lifts and rigging systems allow controlled sectional removal in confined areas where a straightforward fell is not an option.
How soon can you respond to an emergency removal?
We operate 24/7 for emergency situations. Response time depends on location and current conditions, but we prioritize situations where a tree poses an active threat to a structure or blocks access to a property.
Will my yard be usable after the stump is ground out?
Yes. We backfill the cavity with wood chips or soil and clean up the surrounding area. If you plan to lay sod, pour concrete, or plant over the area, let us know during the estimate so we can prepare the site accordingly.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Contact Arbor Junkies to schedule a free, no-obligation assessment for tree removal or stump removal in Worden, IL or anywhere across the Metro East.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
Locally owned, fully insured, and equipped for removals of any complexity. If a tree on your property needs to come down, Arbor Junkies Tree Service will handle it safely, completely, and cleanly. Call or contact us today.