W. Dundee to replace trees downed by storm

The village of West Dundee will begin replacing dozens of dying or felled trees in the next few weeks as part of the village's annual tree replacement program.

Trustees Monday night awarded a $15,000 contract to Alaniz Landscaping in Elgin to replace 60 trees along village parkways, including 10 knocked down during the August storms.

Others will be planted in place of trees removed because of diseases, as well as those damaged by car and utility accidents and other incidents.

"The village takes pride in its tree inventory and tries to maintain its stock along the tree-lined streets in the community," Village Administrator Joe Cavallaro said.

There are 10 approved species in the village's stock, including elm, hackberry, linden, maple and oak.

Each tree costs the village about $285 to buy and plant.

"We like to keep a variety because it keeps the stock healthy and avoids problems with a lack of diversity and disease," Cavallaro said. "

Unlike other towns, like South Elgin, which offers a program to share costs with residents, West Dundee pays for the trees outright.

Residents whose homes adjoin the public space where the trees are to be planted have the option of selecting the species, Cavallaro said.

But if residents want a larger tree than the standard trees the village offers, Cavallaro said the resident is responsible for paying the price difference between the two sizes, or about $100.

Village President Larry Keller said the replacement program adds to the village's aesthetic appeal while also benefiting the environment.

"The village recognizes the beautification aspect of it, and it adds to the ambience of the village," Keller said. "But above that, it also has a cooling effect and helps purify the air."