Community Corner

Emerald Ash Borer Identified in Cary

A survey says Invasive emerald ash borer is most likely in Cary resident's Ash trees.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has confirmed that the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been positively identified in the Village of Cary.

Several Village parkway Ash trees were recently surveyed to verify the presence of the beetle, as the parkway Ash trees had begun to show signs of infestation.

The results of this survey indicate that the EAB is present in Village Ash trees, and, most likely, in residential Ash trees. The extent and severity of the EAB infestation is not clear at this time, however, a confirmed infestation likely indicates that a larger population is present in other Village Ash trees.

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The Emerald Ash Borer destroys Ash trees by feeding on the inside bark of the tree, which disrupts the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.

The Village of Cary has approximately 1,800 parkway Ash trees, which comprises 28% of the Village’s entire parkway tree population. The exact number of private Ash trees on residential property is unknown, but it is safe to assume a similar percentage.

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As such, the result of the EAB’s infestation into Cary Ash trees will have a serious impact on the Village’s urban forest.

The Public Works Department has already begun taking measures to slow the spread of Emerald Ash Borer. Parkway Ash trees that have a confirmed infestation or indicate severe signs of decline are being removed.

The most important thing Cary residents can do to help limit the spread of the beetle is to inspect your private Ash trees for any signs of the Emerald Ash Borer. The EAB itself is a bright, metallic green beetle, approximately one-half inch in length.

Signs and symptoms of EAB infestation in an Ash tree include D-shaped exit holes in the tree bark, woodpecker damage, excessive sucker growth, bark splits and crown die-back.

If you suspect that your private Ash tree is infested with the EAB, please immediately contact a tree care professional. Residents are also urged to not purchase Ash trees or transport Ash tree firewood from a nursery stock in a community where the pest has been identified.

If you have a healthy Ash tree on your property and wish to protect it, contact the Cary Public Works Department for care and treatment information.

Residents can also visit the Illinois Emerald Ash Borer website at www.illinoiseab.com.

            (Information provided by the Village of Cary)


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