Village of Lombard Deploys Efforts to Slow the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer

The Village's Forestry Division staff will be applying Safari®, a non-invasive, systemic insecticide, directly to the trunk of the tree which will be absorbed through the bark and into the vascular tissues where the larva feeds. The application will be made in late April to early May when the leaves of the Ash trees begin to emerge and insecticide can readily be absorbed.

Due to the relatively high cost of the insecticide and the labor involved, only five blocks (about 150 trees) will be treated. These are blocks where Ash trees comprise 90% or more of the existing parkway tree population and the loss of these trees would have the greatest visual impact. Forestry staff will monitor the health of the trees throughout the growing season to determine the extent of any infestation and the effectiveness of the treatment. Trial applications of the Safari® in Ohio and Michigan have demonstrated good success in controlling EAB.

“The use of this insecticide by the Village should not be construed as a cure-all to eliminate this pest, but rather as a means of prolonging the service life of the parkway trees which are at greatest risk of becoming infested,” said Steve Kremske, Village of Lombard's Forestry and Urban Landscape Supervisor.

EAB was first detected in Lombard in 2009. Since that time, more than 100 infested parkway trees have been removed and staff estimates that at least another 200 will be removed in 2012. White and Green Ash currently make up about 15% of the total parkway tree population and Green Ash is the most abundant species found throughout the Village.

Questions regarding this program can be directed to the Public Works Department at (630) 620-5740.