Important Update

The first confirmed case of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in the Village. The tree is located on Long Road on the border of Wilmette. The tree was identified because it was exhibiting signs of poor health and high woodpecker activity. 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture was on site on January 22, 2008 to survey suspected cases. The Department of Agriculture surveyed 11 trees using visual and physical methods. Only 1 tree was confirmed to have the EAB. 

The Village is currently working closely with the Illinois Department of Agriculture to inspect suspected cases of the EAB, and in the process of finalizing an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan that should be completed in February.
 

The Emerald Ash Borer is a small 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide beetle native to Asia. The average adult can easily fit on a penny.  Beetles are usually only visible from May - July. The first reported case in the United States was in 2002, in the State of Michigan. Since that time nearly 20 million ash trees have died in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. The EAB has been found in Kane, Du Page and Cook County. The most recent confirmed location was found in south suburban Hazel Crest. 

For the most current and up-to-date information on the EAB visit the Morton Arboretum’s webpage, the Illinois Department of Agricultures EAB webpage or Michigan State University’s webpage. 

Signs and Symptoms of the Emerald Ash Borer

Visual inspections of suspected ash trees are only about 10% effective. However, there are several signs to watch for: 

• Drastic Increase in Woodpecker Activity
  
• Crown Die Back
  
• Shoots or Suckers at the Base of a Trees
  
• D-Shaped Holes in the Bark