FAQ'S

DELIVERY

Deliveries start the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs until around Dec 20 excluding the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving day.

We deliver to our core Chicago zone 7 days a week and select suburbs on select days of the week.

Removals start Dec 27, exclude New Years Eve/Day and end Jan 10.

We offer 3 delivery shifts on weekdays and weekends.

Weekdays Shifts: 1st Shift- 9am-5pm, 2nd Shift - 5pm-9:30pm, or Flexible Shift - 9am-9:30pm

Weekend Shifts: 1st Shift - 8am to 2pm, 2nd Shift - 2pm-8pm, Flexible Shift - 8a-8pm

Delivery is subject to weather and will be rescheduled when safety is not at risk.

We offer 3 delivery windows to choose from when making a purchase. The selected window is then narrowed down to a 3-hour time slot 1 day before the delivery. Please respond to the confirmation (text or email) upon receipt to confirm your delivery. If you are unable to receive text messages, please inform us in advance.

On the day of delivery, the delivery crew will contact you from a different phone number with a 15-30 minute lead time when they are en route. Please keep an eye on your phone for any unknown numbers during this time and respond accordingly. If there are any changes that lead to the delivery falling outside the 3-hour time slot, we will notify you as soon as possible so you can plan accordingly.

We try our best to accommodate customers, but unfortunately, we cannot honor specific time requests due to how our delivery trucks are routed through different neighborhoods. Daily start and end times also vary depending on the volume of deliveries.

Standard delivery includes a fresh cut on the tree and placing it inside your home on the ground. If you opt for the optional setup, our crew will place the tree in the stand (not provided), remove the netting, perform a basic broom sweep, and water the tree.

If any aspect of our service or products falls short of your expectations, please inform our crew immediately. We are committed to working with you to address any concerns. Our delivery crew is equipped to handle most situations on the spot, such as swapping the tree or providing additional products from the truck, as well as handling clean-up, and more.

If any issues arise, email CustomerService@CityTreeDelivery.com or call 312-GRN-XMAS.

Please review your order prior to delivery. Tree orders do not include a stand or removal.

For the safety of our customers and delivery staff, we ask that you clear a clean
wide path between your door and the location you want your tree dropped off.

Please shovel your doorstep, clear, and eliminate any slippery spots (ice,
snow, water, etc). Also, please restrain any pets.

If you live in a high rise, please contact your building to understand any requirements and provide the delivery crew with specifics such as where to park, details around the freight elevator, time restrictions, etc. This information greatly helps the crew and assists with timely delivery for all.

Stands must be rented, purchased, or provided. Not all stands are equal and we strongly recommend our Cinco Express stands for the stability and health of your tree.

We highly recommend purchasing tree removal/recycling in advance. Availability is limited and the price increases after Christmas. Trees removed in the suburbs will be left on the curb for pickup / recycling by the local municipality.

Reply to your order confirmation or email CustomerService@CityTreeDelivery.com to make any changes to your delivery date, add any products, or change delivery details (phone #, address, order notes, etc.)

We will work with you to find a convenient time with availability.

Our crew delivers rain or shine. In severe weather conditions, please be flexible on delivery times.

Taking safety in account, our delivery team will make all reasonable attempts to complete your delivery on time.

In extreme conditions, our crew will work with you to arrange an alternative date that works with you. If another date does not work, we will refund your order.

Our delivery crew will call/text on the day of your delivery to confirm that you are home. Please monitor your phone during your delivery window, the text/call will be from a different number.

In the event you are not home, please list a detailed safe location on where our crew should leave the tree. This could include a porch, in the front yard, at a neighbor’s house, etc. When authorized in advance, a doorman may grant entry in the unit.

If no options are listed, our delivery crew will leave the tree in a safe location if tree setup was not purchased.  If tree setup was purchased, they will be required to come back another day to deliver / setup the tree or refund the order minus a $25 no-show fee. If we are unable to leave your order or must make multiple delivery attempts, you may be charged a $25 re-delivery fee.

Our staff are paid a living wage. The price of the tree includes all necessary fees, however tipping is always appreciated.

If you do not have cash and would like to leave a tip, call us and we can process your tip over the  phone and pay the employee.

Optional Gratuities can now be added at the time of purchase. If you want to change or refund the amount of gratuity after delivery, please email CustomerService@CityTreeDelivery.com.

If you do not order the advanced set up at the time of the order, our team may be able to offer this service at the time of delivery. Special requests will be handled in person.

Tree removal is NOT INCLUDED with tree purchase. We strongly recommend purchasing removal with your initial tree purchase.

Removal orders placed after Christmas are pending capacity and the price of removal will increase to $49.90 curbside and $99.90

Tree(s) should be undecorated for all removal services below (remove all ornaments/lights prior to our arrival).

Curbside Tree Removal $29.95/tree: We pick up tree from outside & we take it to be recycled.

Curbside Removal is only offered in our Core Chicago Zones.

Refer to our Zoning Map for details.

In-Home Removal $49.95/tree: We remove the undecorated tree from the stand, provide a basic clean up, and get the tree ready to recycle. In Chicago we take the tree to the recycling facility. In the suburbs, we leave the tree on the curb to be recycled by the local municipality.

PRODUCTS

We exclusively offer USDA Premium trees, ensuring top-quality and avoiding Charlie Brown Christmas trees. We hold ourselves to high standards and would only deliver a tree that we would be happy to have in our own home.

While perfection is rare in life, our trees are not artificially designed or imported. They are grown by Mother Nature herself, uniquely for you. We guarantee a freshly cut, high-quality tree with minimal blemishes. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with your tree, we are committed to resolving any concerns and working with you to find a solution.

Please note that tree widths may vary from year to year due to different growing conditions. If you are unhappy with the tree size, we can usually offer a larger/smaller tree replacement and adjust the price accordingly.

We only sell US Premium/#1 Fir trees or better. We've been buying from our vendors for years and are always looking for the best locally sourced trees.

The United States Department of Agriculture created the "United States Standard for Grades of Christmas Trees" effective October 30, 1989. The standards set the criteria for a grading scale the includes USDA Premium(Snowfresh), USDA #1 (Choice), USDA #2 (Standard), and Cull trees.

For more information, please see the publications here. There is some discretion involved in applying the ratings, however we feel you will be happy with your tree and it will be of a higher quality than those offered by most/all big box retailers and nurseries.

USDA Grading Tiers

U.S. Premium/(Snowfresh) – Fresh, clean, healthy, heavy density, one minor defect allowed per face

U.S. #1/(Choice) – Fresh, fairly clean, healthy, medium density, two minor defects allowed for 3 faces, one minor defect per remaining face

Definitions

Fresh - Fresh means the needles are green, pliable, and firmly attached; with not more than slight shedding.

Clean - Clean means the tree is reasonably free from foreign material.

Healthy - Healthy means the needles have a fresh, natural appearance characteristic of the species.

Well shaped - Well shaped means that the tree is not flat on one side and the branches of the tree, whether sheared or unsheared, are of sufficient number and length to form a conical outline tapering from the lowest whorl of branches to the top.

Butt trimmed - Butt trimmed means that all barren branches shall have been removed, and the trunk has been smoothly cut at approximately right angles to the trunk.

Density - Density means the amount of foliage on the tree. Factors contributing to degree of density are: The number and size of branches within the whorl, distance between the whorls, number and arrangements of the branchlets on each branch, the extent of internodal branching, needle arrangement, and needle length. Species differ in their habit of growth and some species do not have internodal branches. Density is judged on the basis of species characteristics.

Grading details

U.S. Premium consists of trees which meet the following requirements:

(a) Characteristics typical of the species;
(b) Butt trimmed; except for trees graded "on the stump'';
(c) Normal taper;
(d) Fresh;
(e) Clean;
(f) Healthy;
(g) Well shaped;
(h) Not less than heavy density;
(i) Handle length, unless otherwise specified, shall be not less than 6 inches, or more than 1-1/2 inches for each foot of tree height. For trees graded "on the stump'', handle length will not be a requirement of the grade;
(j) Three faces with not more than 1 minor defect. Remaining face may not have more than 1 minor defect

Refer to the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) for more information on U.S. Christmas Tree Grading and the necessary requirements for Premium Grade Fir Trees.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/christmas-trees-grades-and-standards

At City Tree, we take pride in being locally owned and supporting our community by providing livable wages to our employees. Many of our staff members return year after year, ensuring the premium service you have come to expect. We carefully select our products based on quality and origin, considering their environmental impact and durability for long-lasting use.

Our diverse team includes firefighters, neighborhood kids, college students, freelancers, musicians, and more. We create a fun working environment with good pay, giving them flexibility in their lives and extra income during the holiday season. We accept credit cards, contribute to local sales tax, and stand firmly behind our products and services, acting as responsible neighbors.

Our commitment to zero waste means we manage our inventory carefully, avoiding large quantities of unused trees that would end up in disposal. As pioneers of full-service tree delivery since 2009, we offer ultimate convenience, delivering a fresh tree inside your home by an insured professional. Additionally, we offer premium setup and removal options, as well as accessories available for purchase or rent.

While some competitors may try to copy our services at slightly lower prices, this often comes at the expense of quality, service, and sustainable practices. Many places order a mix of tree varieties from distant regions, opting for cheaper accessories with higher profit margins. They prioritize inventory for profit without considering waste management.

Our dedication to the local community sets us apart from others. Unlike faceless online retailers, we actively engage with and support our community. Amazon's announcement to sell trees up to 7ft in a box for a slightly lower price may seem appealing, but it lacks the personalized service and care we provide. With us, you can count on a hassle-free experience with the tree delivered, set up, and, if needed, removed. Returns and replacements with competitors remain uncertain.

Choosing City Tree not only ensures exceptional service but also supports the livelihood of local individuals and fosters a sense of community and responsibility towards our environment.

We always try to purchase our products from local vendors. We believe in supporting local businesses and want to minimize our carbon footprint.

Our trees come from Michigan or Wisconsin. Cutting starts in November and varies based on shipping times. We typically get multiple shipments during the season.

Whenever possible, we try to sell items made in the United States.

Cutting starts in November and varies based on shipping times. We typically get multiple shipments during the season.

We do not sell potted trees. Customers prefer Fraser/Balsam and these do not grow in Illinois. The weight of the tree ball required to replant the tree would require machinery to move. In addition, these trees would require acclaimation of no more than a few days inside and out in order to replant. The hole would also need to be dug in acidic soil non-native to Illinois prior to the ground freezing in order for the transplant to be successful.

We believe the most sustainable option is to buy from local farms that replant their harvested tree crop each year and to recycle the tree after each season.

Years ago, we tried selling Norwegian Spruce in potting soil plants and they did not sell. Over half were donated or sold at or below cost. I've seen other companies do this on the news, but I do not believe this is a core product for them and can't be done at scale by a for-profit company.

We do not rent trees, however you can rent stands, lights, and purchase tree removal prior to Christmas.

The tree storage conditions during rental are unknown and trees can frequently be damaged during handling.

Many events request delivery one day prior to an event so the tree can settle and we pick up the tree the day after the event. Other events have us deliver smaller trees and send the tree home as a door prize for one of the attendees.

MISCELLANEOUS

Our business is built on the model of doing the right thing. 

Whenever available, we purchase local premium quality goods to minimize our carbon footprint and ensure product use for many years to come. We are also involved with local schools, parks, charities, and churches. Click here to learn about our brand sustainability.

Historical and/or ongoing partners include: Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Wicker Park Garden Club, District 205 Elmhurst Foundation, 1% for the Planet, Burley Elementary, Waters Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Madison PTA, Lincoln Elementary, Edison Elementary, Kellogg/Northwestern, St Lukes Academy, Margaret Donahue Park, Wrightwood Neighborhood Association, North Center Chamber of Commerce, North Center Neighborhood Association, Dan-Haus German Cultural Center, Trees for the Future, Climate Cycle, Terrapass, Second City Canine Rescue, along with various other local and national partners.

Click here to learn more about our philanthropy (Karma Tree Fund) involvement and click here to make a donation!

General sales of 10.25% will be charged on all products based on our Chicago physical location/warehouse. Tax is not charged on services or rental.

We will provide you with a freshly cut quality tree without any major blemishes.

In the event you are not happy with your tree or service, we will work with you to resolve any concerns. This may include a product replacement, future credit, discount, or refund.

Any concerns should be promptly communicated via email or phone.

Trees are perishable products and begin aging once brought into a home. Proper care must be taken including avoiding placement near air vents, watering the tree, etc. Adding a humidifier and keeping your tree in a cool location will extend the expected life of your tree.

In 13 years of business, our exchange rate is less than 3% and have resolved all known communicated issues/items.