City takes lead role dealing with emerald ash borer
West Chicago: July 26, 2011 - As a community that respects the long-term environmental and aesthetic benefits of healthy green spaces, and one that recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding them for future generations, the city of West Chicago took swift action in March of 2010 when the Emerald Ash Borer was discovered on ash trees in two of its neighborhoods.
According to a report made by Graf Tree Care, the invasive pest which is thought to have travelled from China and the West Indies in crates, pallets and other wood packing material, is responsible for the death of over 30 million ash trees in the United States and Canada, with Michigan and Indiana being the first and hardest hit states. It is likely it arrived somewhere between 1997 and 1999, however some believe it could have been as early as 1991. Firewood and nursery stock spread the infestation across state lines before the problem was known, and today more than 100 municipalities in the Chicago area are infested.
Once the discovery was made in four West Chicago ash trees, city crews immediately removed the trees before female beetles were able to lay any new eggs, spreading infestation; and an Ash tree inventory, which identified approximately 1,992 parkway ash trees, was completed on all city properties and rights-of-way last November. The inventory uncovered several other infested areas. An action plan was created to minimize environmental and financial impact of this threat to West Chicago's urban forest. The plan included not only removing the worst infected trees, but also treating those larger, mature trees that could still be saved.
Subsequently, the city council has approved a contract with Emerald Tree Care, LLC, for professional services related to the 2011 EAB Insecticidal Treatment Program. These treatments will include either soil or trunk injections of the insecticide, depending on the diameter of the trunk measured at 4.5 feet above ground (known as DBH), of the particular tree. Both procedures are safe and nearly all insecticide is either injected directly into the soil or tree trunk.
Treatment services are scheduled to begin immediately and should be completed prior to Aug. 31, 2011. As indicated above, the treatment area is within the corporate limits of the City of West Chicago and only ash trees located within the city's right-of-way (parkway) or other city-owned properties shall be treated under this contract.