Mokena's Plan to Manage the Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

The Village of Mokena is embarking on an aggressive emerald ash borer management program. 

The inventory of trees indicates there are roughly 3,700 public/parkway ash trees in Mokena. Of those, about 7 percent or 300 trees are judged healthy enough for treatment. 

Approximately 3,400 will be removed and replaced over the next five years. "We'll be removing and replacing a little less than 700 this year and a little less than 700 in each of the next four years." said Kirk Zoellner, asst. village administrator. 

The village will be replacing removed trees on a one-to-one basis in the same year in which they are removed, added Zoellner. 

Due to the all-inclusive nature of the EAB infestation in the area, and to maximize the effectiveness of treatments, only the healthiest of trees will be treated/saved, while all others will be removed and replaced.

The EAB management plan was developed by Graf Tree Care, Inc., a consulting arborist firm. Zoellner said, there will be no cost to residents for village-initiated treatment, removal, or replacement of any ash trees located in a public parkway adjacent to their property.

Because EAB is a community-wide issue impacting (directly or indirectly) everyone that lives in Mokena, the Board is setting aside over $1 million to fund this multi-year program. Monies for the program are coming from cash reserves generated through operating efficiencies and rising sales tax receipts generated by local businesses. 

For more information about the EAB program, visit the Village of Mokena website. 
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