20110614 PR - Emerald Ash Borer bettle (EAB) confirmed in Oak BrookJune 17, 2011
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Confirmed in Oak Brook
This week the Village of Oak Brook staff confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer
beetle in the Village. A parkway tree from the Saddlebrook subdivision was removed due to
branch wilting. Subsequent investigation showed the presence of beetles along with their
characteristic bore holes and galleries (see http://www.oak-
brook.org/oakbrook_homepage.shtml).
Ash trees comprise about a fifth of the street tree population in the Village. The areas with the
highest Ash tree population are Sadddlebrook, Forest Glen, and Trinity lakes.
Due to the cost involved in treating trees and the requirement to re-treat trees on an annual
basis as well as the uncertainty of the effectiveness of the treatment, the chemical treatment of
ash trees by the Village is not advisable. The Village of Oak Brook began removing and
replacing diseased or weakened ash trees on public property in 2009. This program of removal
and replacement has continued through 2011 with the objective of removing/replacing 50 Ash
trees annually. Our intention is to reduce the number of ash trees and begin reforestation with
a variety of species before mass die offs begin. Homeowners with Ash trees on their property
are encouraged to follow the same practice of selectively removing Ash trees and replacing
with various other species.
Should homeowners and homeowners associations wish to use chemical applications to
protect particular specimens, a reputable tree service should be contacted. The Village uses
Winkler Tree Service (708-544-1219) as our contract arborist. They offer a rate of $5 per caliper
in diameter for Merit chemical treatment. The application of chemical treatments is limited by
the time of year (generally mid April to mid June).
If you have questions about any particular tree in the Village or would like more information
about the Emerald Ash Borer, feel free to call Public Works at 630-368-5270.