Ash borer infestation in Aurora

Aurora officials have announced on their Internet web site that trees in the Foxcroft subdivision have been infested by the emerald ash borer and must be taken down.

It's unclear the number of ash trees in Foxcroft subdivision on Aurora's west side that have been identified as being infested with the beetle, city officials said, but the city's Street Maintenance Department will remove affected trees in the coming weeks.

The emerald ash borer is a metallic green exotic beetle native to Asia that is approximately one-half inch in length, the release states. Adult beetles eat ash foliage and cause little damage, but larvae feed on the inner bark, disrupting a tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, the release said.

Officials said a a dead tree was reported last week and that a tree specialist determined it positively had been affected by the invasive beetle.

Further inspection detected evidence of of the emerald ash borer in about one-third of the parkway trees in the subdivision.

Replacement of parkway trees will be accomplished as funds allow in the fall of this year and next spring. Residents whose parkway trees will be removed will be contacted by the city before removal occurs, the release states.

Any homeowner who suspects a parkway tree is infested may call the city's customer service line at (630) 264-INFO (4636). A staff member will conduct an inspection after the report is issued.

The city cannot treat or remove trees on private property, but homeowners may call local tree care professionals for guidance on how to care for a tree that is affected.

For additional information, residents may also visit the City of Aurora's Emerald Ash Borer section on the city's website at aurora-il.org.