Residents taking advantage of Arlington Heights ash tree program

When word spread that emerald ash borer was infecting trees across the region, many Arlington Heights residents wanted the opportunity to save their trees — and wanted the village to help them pay for it.

Now more than six months into the cost-sharing program approved by the village board last year, residents have treated nearly 1,800 parkway trees. As of Jan. 1, Arlington Heights has reimbursed more than $88,000 to residents through the program, according to the village.

The cost share program, approved in May 2012, allows residents to be reimbursed 50 percent of the treatment costs, up to $50 per parkway ash tree, if they treat the tree with the village’s preferred method.

The 50/50 program runs through Oct. 31, 2013. To be reimbursed, residents need complete and submit the two attached forms and the contractor’s invoice marked “PAID”. The documents may be submitted online or mailed to 222 N. Ridge Ave Arlington Heights, IL 60005 — Attention: Forestry.