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Emerald Ash Borer

2013 Parkway Tree Emerald Ash Borer Treatment

The Mayor and City Council recently approved a program to treat approximately 2,500 Ash Trees located within the City’s parkways, for the Emerald Ash Borer. The trees will be treated by the City Arborist beginning April 15, 2013. Informational flyers will be distributed, prior to the treatment, to residents that have an Ash Tree located within their parkway. Below, please find frequently asked questions and answers. For additional information please visit us at www.darien.il.us or contact us at 630-353-8105.

Will the City inspect privately owned trees?
The City of Darien has recently requested courtesy quotes for Darien residents with Ash trees. The recommended vendor is Tree and Turf Professionals and the contact person for Tree and Turf Professionals is Lyle McGinn.

Telephone No: 1-630-759-7389

E-mail Address: thepros@treeandturf.com

If a resident thinks that a private property tree may be infested with EAB, they should contact Tree and Turf Professional. Additional information and pricing may be found on the City’s website.

Does the insect harm any other trees? Humans?
No, EAB infests ONLY ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). It does not affect any other type of trees or plants. The insect does not pose any harm to humans and it is actually very unusual to even see adult beetles.

Treatment

What are the treatment options?
There are three common EAB treatment methods: trunk injection, soil drench/injection, and bark spray. The City is recommending the trunk injection treatment of emamectin benzoate (TREE-age®) because it has been proven the most effective treatment in University trials. This treatment lasts two years. Treatments should begin in the spring, so timing is everything. It is important to know that treatments are NOT a one-time thing; they may have to be repeated for the life of the tree. Additional information about all treatment types can be found at www.emeraldashborer.info

The parkway ash tree looks healthy, how do you know if it is infested?
There are several signs and symptoms infested trees begin to show after they are first infested.
They are:
1. D-shaped exit holes – 1/8” inch holes left after adults exit the tree
2. Bark splits – vertical splits in the bark
3. S-shaped feeding galleries – can only be seen when bark is scraped or in bark splits
4. Woodpecker damage – missing or discolored bark beginning at the top of the tree
5. Crown Dieback – foliage at the top of the tree may thin or discolor
6. Epicormic sprouting - shoots of leaves growing from the trunk

The problem is that it may take as many as five years after the initial infestation for the tree to begin showing these signs and symptoms. Heavily infested trees may appear healthy. Once a tree begins to show outward signs of infestation, it may only be a short time before it dies.

Removals

Why does an infested ash tree have to be removed; can we wait until the tree is dead?
Once a parkway ash tree is found to be over 50% dead, the City will remove it promptly. It is important for the Department to promptly remove the infested ash trees. Additionally, when ash trees are dead, they become brittle and easily drop limbs, posing a major safety concern.

If you identify an infested ash tree on my parkway, will you remove all of the ash trees on my parkway?
Only infested ash trees that do not have at least a 60% healthy crown growth will be removed along with the stump. Locator markings will be sprayed before stump removal in the area to locate underground utilities. The parkway will be restored with topsoil and seed.

Will the City contact me before removing my parkway tree(s)?
When a tree is identified to be removed, a colored dot is sprayed on the tree and an informational door hanger is placed on the resident’s front door. This is done as a courtesy to notify residents of the status of the parkway tree in front of their property. The door hangers have the contact information of the Municipal Services Department. Trees slated for removal are usually marked a few weeks before they are actually removed in order to permit residents time to call if they have any questions. Residents will be notified before a tree is removed.

Replacements

Will the City replace the trees that are removed from the parkway?
It is currently the City’s policy to replace parkway trees on a one-for-one basis as space allows. The replacement tree is planted at no cost to the homeowner. A certified arborist will decide if there is the appropriate amount of space (20 feet) available and an acceptable planting site is present. With the exponential spread of EAB, the substantial loss of trees, and current economic conditions, it is impossible to predict changes to the funding of the planting program. It is the City’s goal to maintain a diverse parkway tree population by replanting where possible.

How long do I have to wait for a replacement tree?
The City’s current program and budget allows for tree planting. Again unforeseen changes to the tree planting program cannot be predicted. When a tree is removed, the address is put on the bottom of the planting list and will be replaced chronologically. Trees are usually planted in the spring and fall seasons.

What will be the size of the replacement tree?
Replacement trees are usually 4 inches in diameter. The City has chosen to replant this size of tree based on transplanting, survivability, cost, and labor.

Can I choose what type of tree will be replanted?
Residents will have the ability to select from an approved list of parkway trees. Available species are chosen based on stock availability, viability of species, appropriateness of parkway installation, diversity, and proven success.

Why can’t I choose the same tree as all of my neighbors?
Diversity is the key to creating an urban forest. As we learned with Dutch Elm Disease and are now learning with Emerald Ash Borer, planting a single species in mass numbers is a poor urban forestry practice that can have devastating effects.

Can I plant my own parkway tree?
No. The City’s planting program is in place to provide replacement trees to homeowners. Our City Arborist makes the educated final decision as to the type and quantity of trees that will be planted in the parkway. It is important that the appropriate tree is selected for each and every site in the City’s parkways. City staff will work with homeowners as much as possible.

For more information or questions, please call the Municipal Services Department at 630-353-8105.

Emerald Ash Borer Private Property Treatment

The City of Darien has recently received competitive quotes for the treatment of the Emerald Ash Borer located on private property. The recommended vendor is Tree and Turf Professionals. The treatment method consists of a licensed applicator injecting the tree with the product Treeage. For additional information regarding the treatment and general information please visit the following website: www.arborjet.com

The tree would be drilled with a small hole(s) and larger trees will require multiple holes based on the diameter of the tree. The Treeage product is injected based on the tree diameter and sealed with a plug(s). The application is good for up to two years. The Ash tree must have a minimal 60% healthy canopy to be a candidate for the treatment. The Tree and Turf Professionals shall review each Ash tree prior to treatment. All payments shall be the responsibility of the homeowner. The contact person for Tree and Turf Professionals is Lyle McGinn at 630-759-7389 or email at thepros@treeandturf.com

The measurement for a tree is determined by the diameter. If you would like to determine the measurement of your tree take an inch tape measure and measure approximately 4-foot up from the base of the tree and around the tree. This will be your circumference. You can then go to the following website http://math.about.com/library/blcirclecalculator.htm

Insert the unit number in the Circumference box and move the pointer to the Solve Others box and hit Enter. The calculator will provide the Diameter. Below is the pricing schedule for the treatment.

Diameter Cost