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.

The review of our parkway trees has found over two hundred infected trees with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and other trees in poor conditions. In addition, we found thirty-seven infected ash trees which could be treated. The removal and treatment of these trees has already taken place.

The Village selected, based on the recommendations from our contractual arborist, three species of trees for planting in the  fall: State Street Tree, Hybrid Elm, and Ginko (Autumn Gold). As a result of the need to adhere to guidelines set forth related to the program and the need to focus on species diversification. The replacement trees were to be of 2" to 2 ½" caliper at no cost to the adjacent property owner.

Residents were afforded the option to upgrade the caliber size of the replacement tree. The cost difference would have been at the expense of the resident but do to the great negotiating abilities of our Village staff members, larger trees were purchased at the same price.

The tree replacement program will consist of four rounds of replacements placing emphasis on the severely affected areas adjacent to residential structures and/or when funds for the replacements are available. The Village purchased (50) fifty trees for this first round of replacements. It is anticipated the second round will be completed by spring of 2013. Residents will be notified prior to the planting of trees adjacent to their property.