Lake Zurich commits another $50,000 to ash tree replacement
Lake Zurich has committed $50,000 toward replacing public trees that were removed due to emerald ash borer infestation.
About 3,300 ash trees infected by the pest were removed in rights-of-way owned by the village and at municipal facilities, parks and other public property, officials said. Citing safety concerns, the village removed the dying public ash trees over roughly three years and finished ahead of a mid- to late 2016 target date.
Lake Zurich used an initial $50,000 to start the first wave of tree replanting last fall in the Cedar Creek and Old Mill Grove neighborhoods. Later this year, another $50,000 approved by the village board this week will pay for about 200 new trees in Countryside East and Old Mill Grove subdivisions.
Public Works Manager Michael Brown said the neighborhoods at the front of the replacement line were the first to have the ash trees removed.
Lake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton and Brown stressed the need for residents to water the new trees to ensure they survive.
"We're going to be out there watering, but we may not be able to make it every week," Brown said.
Several tree species will be planted, including red maple, common hackberry and ginkgo. Wauconda-based Acres Group was deemed the lowest of three responsible bidders - at a five-tree average cost of $1,384 - to give Lake Zurich the most for the budgeted $50,000.