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Emerald Ash Borer Update

As many Lincolnshire residents are already aware, the Emerald Ash Borer, a destructive insect pest from Asia, has been discovered in three suburban towns in Illinois.

The Emerald Ash Borer, (a.k.a. EAB), first became known to the United States in the summer of 2002 when the insect was found to be responsible for killing Ash trees in Michigan. Since its initial discovery four years ago, more than 15 million ash trees have been removed in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana as a result of EAB infestations.

Emerald Ash Borer larva, which likely arrived in the United States in the wood of packing crates from Asia, kill Ash trees by boring through the tree bark and feeding on the thin layer of wood cells that transport water and nutrients throughout the tree. Once these “nutrient highways” have been destroyed by the tunneling EAB larva, the Ash trees essentially die of thirst, unable to transport water and nutrients from the soil to their leaves.

The borer is very difficult to detect in newly infested trees because the symptoms are mild and often occur in the upper portions of the tree. Typical signs of EAB infestation include the presence of a small metallic green beetle (shaped like a speedboat), small “D-shaped” holes in ash tree bark, and dieback in the crown of the tree.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is currently in the process of conducting infestation surveys in the three Chicago suburbs of Evanston, Wilmette, and Lily Lake, where Emerald Ash Borer populations have been confirmed. Once the surveys are complete, the Department of Agriculture will seek to enact a plan intended to stop the spread of the EAB. However, since the Emerald Ash Borer has thus far proved difficult to contain, Village residents are asked to be diligent and proactive in preparing for an Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Lincolnshire. Be on the lookout for signs of EAB, and contact the Village Forester if you notice any dying Ash trees. Also, Lincolnshire residents should always be on the lookout for places to plant new trees. An EAB infestation could kill up to 20% of the Village’s trees, so the best day to plant a tree is five years ago and the next best day is today.

The Village Forester is currently working to develop an “Emerald Ash Borer Readiness Plan,” which will help to guide Lincolnshire through the many trials and tribulations that an EAB infestation will present. Look for additional Emerald Ash Borer updates and information in future Village Newsletters and, as always, contact the Village Forester, Tony Gliot, at (847) 883-8600 if you have any questions regarding trees, wildlife, bugs, etc.