Hainesville residents replacing oak trees felled by tornado
Some parts of Lake County are still trying to bounce back from the destruction of a tornado last summer, with Hainesville the latest example.
Weather permitting, volunteers will be at the Cranberry Lake subdivision in Hainesville to plant at least 18 young oak trees Saturday as replacements for those felled by the tornado that cut through the village and other towns eight months ago.
Oak tree stumps are a visible sign of how the tornado came within 10 to 30 yards of several Cranberry Lake houses.
"We were so fortunate there were no injuries and no deaths," said Hainesville Trustee Georgeann Duberstein, a Cranberry Lake resident. "When you think about these big trees, if they would have fallen toward our houses instead of the way they did, it would have been a disaster."
Dave Coulter, who owns Native Restoration Services in Round Lake, said the tornado knocked down oaks that were at least 200 years old. As sturdy as the old oak trees were, he said, they never stood a chance against the twister because they typically break, not bend.
"I'm always staggered by how much stronger the wind is than an oak tree," said Coulter, whose company specializes in replacing damaged plantings.
On Aug. 2, an EF-1 tornado sliced a narrow path across several central Lake County communities, including Hainesville, Round Lake Park, Grayslake and unincorporated Wildwood. Emergency officials said no fatalities or injuries were reported.
Duberstein has helped to organize the volunteer labor for Saturday's planting. National Honor Society students from Round Lake and Grayslake Central high schools, village residents and others will participate.
Coulter said his company is donating its services to oversee the planting of the young, skinny oak trees. He said his company will brief the crew on the proper way to plant the baby oaks so they have a good chance to survive - a process that'll include placing wire cages around them to protect against deer and other potentially damaging creatures.
"You don't grade on a curve on this," Coulter said. "You either get an 'A' or an 'F.'"
Round Lake High teacher Peter Pettorini, who's the National Honor Society's adviser, said about 30 juniors and seniors will be involved on the tree planting project. He said the pupils jumped at the chance to promote "positive vibes" in one of the areas hit by the tornado.
"They feel that this is a worthy project because it fits perfectly into their goal of service," Pettorini said. "It's a nice way to help the community, environment and make a positive difference."
As Hainesville gets ready to replace the oaks felled in the tornado, neighboring Round Lake Park has regained a business that was leveled. That Pizza Place, owned by former Round Lake Park Mayor Jean McCue, was rebuilt and opened last week.
Grayslake Fire Protection District Chief John Christian said some Wildwood residents still are in homes needing roof and siding repairs.
"It's just incredible we didn't sustain any injuries or fatalities," he said.