Ash borer found in West Dundee

West Dundee is now on a lengthy and growing list of suburban towns the emerald ash borer calls home.

A survey of the village's ash trees, which comprise about 15 percent of the trees on village land, revealed that 11 trees near Market Loop and Village Quarter Road are infested, the village reported Monday.

The metallic green beetle of Asian origin has been devastating ash trees in the eastern United States. The discovery of the pest in about two dozen suburbs meant West Dundee's infestation came as no surprise to village officials.

"Disappointed is probably a better word," Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said. "We've taken a lot of pride in our street trees. It was a matter of 'when,' not 'if.'"

The village will remove the 11 infested trees and is continuing to survey the ash trees on village property, Cavallaro said. West Dundee staff will discuss further steps with the village board on Aug. 31.

Residents can call public works at (847) 551-3815 if they suspect an infested tree is on their property.

"We'll assist in any way we can if a homeowner has any problems or concerns," Cavallaro said. "The cost is left to the individual homeowner. There's no money for it."