Emerald Ash Borer found in Woodridge

There is convenient access to the Village of Woodridge from I-355 and I-55 but at least one visitor to the community is not welcome - as the Village and Illinois Department of Agriculture staff recently confirmed Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Woodridge.

EAB is a small, metallic-green beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the United States and Canada. EAB larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, interrupting the supply of nutrients causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any risk to the public health, it does threaten the ash tree population.

All or parts of 24 counties in north and central parts of Illinois are under quarantine and prohibit the movement of potentially contaminated wood products, including ash trees, limbs, branches, and all types of firewood to help prevent the spread of the beetle.

With the previous EAB infestations found in nearby communities and throughout the region, the discovery in Woodridge does not come as a surprise. The Village has been working on EAB mitigation efforts since May 2007 by removing damaged and distressed ash trees and replacing them with other tree species, as well as diversifying some areas that were predominately ash. The Village currently has just under 11,000 parkway trees, of which nearly 2,600 are ash.

Emerald ash borer is difficult to detect, especially in newly-infested trees. Individuals should watch for metallic-green beetles about half the diameter of a penny on or near ash trees that are showing signs of disease or stress. Other signs of infestation in ash trees include D-shaped holes in the bark of the trunk or branches and shoots growing from its base. If considering treatment of trees with insecticide, you are encouraged to learn the facts and make an informed choice based upon your circumstances. The Morton Arboretum website (www.mortonarb.org) carries a fact sheet on insecticides that will help homeowners consider their options.

Anyone in Woodridge who suspects a tree has been infested is urged to contact the Public Works Department at (630) 719-4753 and for more information, visit the Village's website at www.vil.woodridge.il.us or www.IllinoisEAB.com.