Emerald Ash Borer

Website Information

 

 

Informational Links:

 

 

 

 

 

Q & A:

 

  1. What is EAB?

 

Answer: It is a small (1/2 inch long, 1/8 inch wide) metallic green beetle native to Asia.  The first reported case in the United States was in 2002, in the State of Michigan, where the suspected borer likely came in on packing crates from China.

 

  1. I’ve heard Glenview is in a Quarantine Zone. What does that mean?

 

Answer:  The Quarantine Zone (“the Zone”) was established by the Illinois Department of Agriculture after confirmed cases of EAB had been found within northeastern Cook County.  In simple terms, the Zone prohibits the transportation of Ash wood, which hosts the destructive beetle. See the following link for the current Zone map: http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab/data/200704309795.pdf

 

  1. How many Ash trees are in the Village?

 

Answer:  There are approximately 5,000 Village-owned Ash trees, which is approximately 24 percent of the parkway inventory.  Village arborist are presently inspecting a sampling of private properties throughout the Village in order to estimate the number of privately owned Ash within the Village.

 

  1. Does my landscaper or tree trimming contractor have to abide by the Quarantine Zone regulations?

 

Answer: Yes.  In fact, the Village Board recently passed an ordinance last month which requires contractors in the landscaping or tree care business to provide a fully executed, certified copy of the IDA’s EAB Compliance Agreement (“the Agreement”), if they wish to obtain a business or contractor’s license within the Village.  If you have a landscaper, or are thinking to hire one, we would recommend you request to see a copy of their Agreement and Village business license. 

 

  1. Has EAB been found yet in Glenview?

 

Answer: No, not yet.  Aside from Kane County, the IDA has confirmed EAB in Wilmette, Evanston, and Winnetka.  The closest citing to Glenview has been reported just west of Skokie Blvd. in Wilmette.

 

  1. What if I suspect that my Ash tree(s) is infested by EAB?

 

Answer:  Please immediately call the Village of Glenview Public Works Department during business hours at 847-657-3030.  A Village arborist will be dispatched to perform an inspection.  You may also call the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s toll free hotline at 800-641-3934 to report a potential infestation.

 

  1. How would I spot EAB on my trees?

 

Answer: Identifying EAB can be difficult to the untrained eye.  Some potential symptoms or signs to look for:

 

·        Crown dieback: Branches of the tree canopy will show significant die back or stress.

 

 

·        Woodpecker activity:  Several reported EAB infestations were traced by observing an unusually high number of woodpeckers in the area, who love to dine on the bugs.

 

·        D-shaped holes in the tree trunk:  These are the holes formed from a mature EAB exiting the trunk. 

 

·        “Shoots” or “suckers” growing from the tree:  Small branches growing from the base or middle of the tree may signal an EAB infestation.

 

 

 

  1. Are there any known cures or treatments to protect my Ash trees from EAB?

 

Answer:  Scientists are currently studying various methods.  There are some known treatments that have been effective, but also quite costly.  We recommend that you consult with a licensed arborist to help you assess your options.  For more information please see the following link: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/files/E2955.pdf.

 

  1. I am not even sure if I have Ash trees on my property.  What should I do?

 

Answer:  We would suggest that you contact a licensed landscaping firm with a certified arborist on staff to perform an inspection.  The following web site might also help you perform your own inventory: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/files/E2892Ash.pdf

 

  1. Is there anything else I could do to help?

 

Answer:  Besides monitoring the health of your Ash trees, refrain from transporting firewood across State lines, and only purchase firewood locally from a known source.  Transporting Ash firewood across State lines carries stiff penalties from the Federal government (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/).

 

 

EAB Educational Materials for Kids  (see .pdf attachment):