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Spirit
Emerald Ash Borer in Elgin
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The Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed recently that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in three Elgin locations – the 1100 block of N. McLean Blvd, the 100 block of East Chicago Street and in the 900 block of Randall Road.
“The IDA explains that it’s difficult to quantify the extent and severity of any infestation,” said Jim Bell, Elgin’s parks superintendent. “But infected trees in the identified areas will be removed immediately.”
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An Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle with larvae that feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. That lack of water and nutrients ultimately kills the tree.
It may take many years for infected trees to show signs of disease. Oftentimes, the effects of EAB are not detected until the branches of an infected tree begin to die. The most visible sign that EAB is present is crown dieback, where the leaves on the upper third of a tree will begin to thin and the branches start to die.
“There are some insecticidal treatments, but those are also enormously expensive to a city,” said Bell. “Unfortunately, treatment results have also been inconsistent. What works in one area may not be effective at another location. The chemical treatments also do not guarantee that the IDA may not order the treated tree to be removed.”
If individual residents wish to begin a treatment program, they can contact a tree specialist. If residents find EAB on city-owned trees, they can contact the city of Elgin Public Works Department at (847) 697-3160 to ensure removal.
EAB first appeared in Kane County in 2006 devastating municipality tree stocks and costing some communities millions of dollars. The financial impact on Elgin is unknown.
Residents looking for more information can go to the IDA website at www.illinoiseab.com.
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