Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Tree Care & Urban Forestry Services in Batavia
Graf Tree Care, Inc. has been a trusted leader in urban forestry consulting and tree care services since 1999. Founded by arborist Phil Graf, our company combines decades of hands-on experience with advanced certifications, including six ISA Certified Arborists, two ISA Municipal Specialists, and one Board Certified Master Arborist. Headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, we specialize in Tree Pruning/Removal and Plant Health Care, serving condominium and homeowners associations, park districts, and large residential sites across DuPage and Kane Counties. Our approach integrates scientific expertise with practical solutions, such as targeted root feeding and preventative disease control, to maximize tree health in urban environments.With a team of 15 professionals holding college-level degrees in environmental science and horticulture, we maintain affiliations with leading industry organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture and the American Society of Consulting Arborists. Our core values emphasize continuous learning, client respect, and operational efficiency, ensuring every project aligns with our mission to enhance community benefits through sustainable tree care. Recognized as Illinois' premier tree care firm, we balance technical excellence with a commitment to educating municipalities and fostering workplace positivity.
Services
Tree Pruning
Plant Health Care
Root Feeding
Disease Control
Urban Forestry Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We employ six ISA Certified Arborists with specialized expertise in urban tree diagnostics.
- Our team includes a Board Certified Master Arborist with 32 years of industry experience.
- We pioneered preventative plant health care strategies since 2003 using bio-fertilizers.
- We maintain affiliations with five professional arboriculture organizations for continuous learning.
- Our ISA TRAQ-certified staff conducts comprehensive tree risk assessments.
Associations and certifications
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Services
Tree Pruning
Our certified arborists perform precision tree pruning to enhance health, safety, and aesthetics. We use species-specific techniques to remove deadwood, improve air circulation, and maintain structural integrity. Regular pruning every 3-5 years prevents disease while preserving natural growth patterns.
Plant Health Care
We specialize in preventative plant health care through root feeding and disease management. Our bio-fertilizer applications replenish urban soil nutrients while targeted treatments combat pests and fungal infections. This holistic approach strengthens trees' natural defenses against environmental stressors.
Root Feeding
Our customized root feeding programs address nutrient deficiencies in urban landscapes. Using mycorrhizal fungi and microbial nutrients, we restore soil vitality to improve drought resistance and reduce chemical dependency. This specialized service optimizes tree health where natural decomposition cycles are disrupted.
Disease Control
We diagnose and treat tree diseases using integrated pest management strategies. Our certified specialists identify pathogens like Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt, implementing preventative fungicide applications and cultural practices to halt infection spread while minimizing environmental impact.
Urban Forestry Consulting
Our consulting services combine GIS technology with arboricultural expertise for municipal planning. We provide tree inventory systems, risk assessments, and sustainable management plans tailored to urban environments, helping communities maximize ecological benefits from their tree canopy.
People
Phil Graf
Owner, Company Founder, Urban Forester
With 32 years of experience in private and municipal sectors, Phil established Graf Tree Care in 1999. He holds multiple ISA certifications and focuses on community education about urban forestry benefits.
Chris Scott
Operations Manager
A respected industry professional since 1990, Chris brings 35 years of tree care expertise. As Operations Manager, he oversees daily operations while maintaining his status as a certified arborist.
Zac King
Plant Health Care Division Manager
Zac leads our plant health care division with 20 years of experience. Certified as both an arborist and master arborist, he specializes in integrated pest management and soil health solutions.
Justin Stiles
Head Crew Leader
With 5 years at Graf and 20 total in the green industry, Justin manages large-scale projects. His landscape architecture background enhances our approach to complex tree care challenges.
Henri Scott
Climber/Lift Operator
Henri combines lifelong climbing experience with modern equipment operation. He contributes technical expertise in aerial lifts and stump grinding while maintaining safety standards.
Questions
What tree services do you offer?
We provide tree pruning, removal, plant health care, disease diagnostics, and urban forestry consulting for residential and commercial clients.
Are your arborists certified?
Yes, our team includes six ISA Certified Arborists, two Municipal Specialists, and one Board Certified Master Arborist.
Do you serve residential properties?
We serve both residential and commercial clients, including homeowners associations and park districts in DuPage and Kane Counties.
What areas do you service?
Our primary service areas include DuPage and Kane Counties in Illinois, covering both urban and suburban environments.
How often should trees be pruned?
Most trees require pruning every 3-5 years, though species-specific needs and growth rates may affect this schedule.
What is plant health care?
Our plant health care focuses on preventative maintenance through root feeding, disease control, and soil enhancement to improve tree vitality.
