John Joyce and Rob Gunther of Park Forest’s Recreation and Parks Department discuss the demise of ash trees in the village. (Photo: VOPF Video – below)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Hundreds of dying trees under attack by an invasive insect are being removed.
The Emerald Ash Borer, responsible for the death of millions of ash trees across the country, was positively identified in the northern section of Park Forest last year. Since then, scores of ash trees have showed symptoms of being under attack by the bug.
The Emerald Ash Borer chews the inner bark and phloem of ash trees –cutting off the flow of water and nutrients to the tree. In an attempt to defend itself against the attacking insect, the tree’s trunk sprouts new leaves to provide much-needed nutrients. This, however, is not enough to combat the assault of the Emerald Ash Borer, and ash trees exposed to the bug usually die.
Residents in Park Forest will notice numerous trees removed as a result of the infestation.
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus awarded the Village $10,000 to replace affected ash trees. Those dollars, however, are not enough to plant a new tree for each ash tree to be taken down.
The Village is working to secure additional funds to ensure that each dead tree is ultimately replaced, according to Park Forest’s Web site.
Questions regarding the Emerald Ash Borer should be directed to the Recreation and Parks Department at 708-748-2005.
