This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Officials: Tree-Killing Pest Most Likely On the Way

The emerald ash borer has been found in ash trees virtually all around Mokena. Officials say residents should be prepared to deal with the pest.

The emerald ash borer hasn't officially been found in Mokena yet, but officials believe it's only a matter of time.

The pest, which kills ash trees by feeding on them, has been identified practically all around the village, said Public Works Director Louis Tiberi.

"Right now, there's no positive ID, but it's probably here," Tiberi told Patch in a recent interview. "We haven't actually seen beetles or holes [where the beetles bored into the trees], but common sense says it's all around us, it's already here."

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The knowledge has prompted the village to be proactive about the EAB, posting warnings in a recent village newsletter and inviting a representative from ArborJet, a Minnesota-based plant health solutions firm, to speak at its April 25 meeting.

Jeff Palmer, ArborJet Upper Midwest Regional Sales Manager, assured officials that having the pest doesn't mean the ash trees have to be cut down.

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During his 45-minute presentation, Palmer told trustees the EAB is native to Asia and has been in the U.S. since the 1980s. It was discovered in Detroit in 2002, after killing thousands of ash trees. The city of Chicago has been "entirely infested," Palmer said.

Palmer encourages treatment of the trees, which can also be less expensive than removing the tree altogther, which can adversely affect property values, air quality and water runoff.

ArborJet has treated ash trees in other locations, Palmer said. 

With treatment, "you can control the emerald ash borer," he added. "All hope is not lost...You'll find that treatment is a lot less costly than removal."

Tiberi said village officials are in the process of assessing the number of local ash trees. He estimates about 15 percent of the trees in Mokena are ash trees.

In the meantime, Tiberi has issued the following tips for residents:

  • Inventory your property (including parkways) and determine if you have any ash trees. Consider the "quality of life" value to you and your family of any ash trees located on your property.
  • Become educated about the EAB so you may consider your options if you do have an infestation. 
  • Village staff are always available for consultation and inspection; please call Lou Tiberi at 708-479-3900 to schedule an appointment. 
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?