Emerald ash borer moves into Bloomingdale

The emerald ash borer beetle has made its way into trees in Bloomingdale, officials say.

"It was a matter of time," said Michael Marchi, director of village services. "They were southeast of the village in the unincorporated Swift Road area and in Carol Stream and other nearby towns, so we were somewhat surrounded."

The pest - deadly to ash trees - was found last week in several trees on village property along Springfield Drive, between Army Trail and Butterfield roads. Workers were inspecting for the borer during Bloomingdale's annual winter tree-trimming.

There are roughly 2,300 ash trees in Bloomingdale, accounting for about 25 percent of the village's total tree population.

In recent years, Bloomingdale tried to stave off infestation by removing ash trees in poor condition that are more susceptible to the borer. Last year, 60 trees were removed and replaced with species that are tolerant of the pest, Marchi said.

Now, Bloomingdale's efforts to replace infested ash trees will take several years, because it can cost $2,000 to remove a tree and plant a new one.

"With the economy the way it is, I don't think it will permit a mass replacement, since you're looking at $4 million or $5 million," Marchi said.

Flying season for the emerald ash borer begins in May and Marchi said they can cover a radius of up to five miles. Crews are trying to remove as many infested trees as possible before then.

Marchi said it's unknown how many private trees may be affected. Symptoms include dying leaves, D-shaped exit holes, shoots sprouting from the tree's trunk, S-shaped larval collections under the bark and woodpecker damage, since the birds are attracted to the larvae. Damage tends to start at the top and then the borers work their way down, making it tougher to spot, Marchi said. They can live in an ash for three to five years before signs of infestation appear.

"Plus, they are just so small," he added.

Village workers are spending this week trying to discover the extent of the damage and finalize Bloomingdale's response plan for private trees.