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Streamwood officials approve purchase, planting of new trees

Streamwood officials have agreed to spend nearly $60,000 on about 500 trees to replace ash trees cut down because of emerald ash borer infestation.

It's estimated that at least 70 percent of Streamwood's ash population β€” which in July totaled about 2,500 trees β€” is infested, said Village Manager Gary O'Rourke.

Earlier this month, village trustees approved a contract of up to $310,500 for the removal of as many as 500 ash trees by the end of the year. The village board then agreed last week to pay Cedar Path Nurseries of Lockport $59,093 to supply and deliver up to 500 trees that will begin being planted this fall.

O'Rourke said the actual price will depend on how many trees the village ultimately purchases because it was a unit price bid.

β€œIt's a variety of species that have been shown to survive well in this climate as parkway trees,” he said, adding that the trees are consistent with the Illinois Department of Agriculture's recommended reforestation list.

The board also approved a contract of up to $31,200 with Brancato Landscaping, Inc., of Elk Grove Village, to plant approximately 325 trees. Again, O'Rourke said, the actual cost will depend on how many trees the contractor actually plants. Village crews will plant the remaining trees.

O'Rourke said the village plans to remove up to 700 trees each year until 2015, and plant approximately 500 trees each year over the next five years.

In 2012, the village spent close to $77,000 on the removal and purchase of trees, according to O'Rourke. He said village crews did all the planting that year.

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