Emerald Ash Borer Tree Removal

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect first seen in the United States in 2002 and discovered in surrounding areas of Illinois over the last few years. The EAB targets Ash trees to lay their eggs which feed on the tree causing the tree to eventually succumb to the infestation. The insect has killed more than 20 million Ash trees since 2002.

In April of 2012, the Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the Village of Lakemoor. The Village has drafted and approved the Village of Lakemoor Emerald Ash Borer Control Program. The objective of the Plan is to minimize the destructive effects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on Lakemoor's ash tree population. . As part of this plan, the Village is working with "McGinty Brothers" company who have made a street-by-street review of our parkway trees.

The review of our parkway trees has found 216 trees that have to be removed and 37 infected ash trees which can be treated. The treatment of these trees has already taken place. The trees in the parkway that are scheduled for removal shall be marked with a Yellow (x) before their removal. The adjacent property owners will be notified by letter and also a door tag prior to the tree being removed. All trees that are scheduled for removal are showing significant signs of Emerald Ash Borer damage and/or pose some other type of threat to person or vehicle traffic.

The removal of these trees will begin the first or second week of July 2012 . The Village Public Works Department is charged with providing the care and maintenance of public/parkway trees. With an extensive population of Ash trees in Village parkways, EAB will cause extensive and significant damage.

As a result of the need to adhere to guidelines set forth related to the program and the need to focus on species diversification, residents will not be given the opportunity to select replacement species as this will be the decision of staff to ensure adherence to the goal of a diversified parkway tree population. The replacement trees will consist of 4 different species consist of Kentucky Coffee, Hybrid Elm, Ginko (Autumn Gold), Swamp White Oak. CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS The replacement trees will be of 2" to 2 ½" caliper. This will be done at no cost to the adjacent property owner. Residents will be afforded the option to upgrade the caliber size of the replacement tree. The cost difference will be at the expense of the resident.

The replacement schedule will be broken down into four rounds. Please keep in mind the tree replacement schedule is tentative and may be extended for a longer period of time depending on the availability of funds for the replacements. The most severely affected areas will be addressed first.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may create and thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Should you have questions or require clarification please contact the Public Works Department at (815)385-2936  or email villagehall@lakemoor.net

Map of Affected Trees

 Click Here

POLICE OFFICER

LAKEMOOR POLICE DEPARTMENT