Emerald Ash Borer Treatments Planned for Western Springs

The village of Western Springs plans to continue its prophylactic Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) treatments this summer by injecting 271 healthy ash trees with Tree-age, the village announced Friday.

While the treatments won’t keep the trees bug-free forever, they will extend their healthy years, the village said.

EAB larvae essentially starve trees by chomping through the channels that lead from the roots to the leaves. The invasive Asian beetle made its first appearance in Western Springs in 2011.

Any tree that becomes infected with EAB that is deemed to be in poor condition will be removed. The treatments will help the village avoid having to cut down numerous trees in a given season, leading to bald patches where clusters of ash trees grow.

Ash trees account for about 16 percent of the village’s total trees.

Residents should notify the village if they believe the EAB has attacked a public tree. If the tree is on their property, residents should reach out to a certified arborist or forester for advice on how to proceed.

The map above shows which trees were treated last year and which ones are scheduled to be treated this year.