Naperville: City Awarded Funding to Perform Preventative EAB Treatment on Ash Trees
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~ Naperville, IL - The City of Naperville has been awarded a $30,000 grant to protect the health of its urban forest by performing treatment on ash trees not already infested with emerald ash borer (EAB). This grant, requested by the city, will assist in funding the treatment of approximately 400 ash trees during the spring and summer of 2024.

With over 11,000 ash trees in its public right-of-ways, Naperville has been actively working to prevent EAB infestation since 2008. Thanks to these efforts, the city has seen growth in its ash tree canopy while many other communities have suffered significant losses.

According to Public Works Director Dick Dublinski, "The cost to keep ash trees alive is significantly less than the economic and environmental benefits they provide." He expressed gratitude for the grant funds that will help Naperville continue to be a leader in fighting against EAB.

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The emerald ash borer is an invasive pest that can cause widespread damage if left unmanaged. Treatment of healthy ash trees is crucial in curbing infestation and protecting communities from hazards posed by dead trees.

Funding for this project was provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and USDA Forest Service Eastern Region. These funds were administered by The Morton Arboretum's Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), an equal opportunity provider.

Melissa Custic, Interim Director of CRTI, emphasized the importance of emerald ash borer prevention and mitigation in strengthening urban forests. "From stormwater management to improved air quality, trees benefit us all," she said. "Projects like this are imperative to support urban forests."

Residents can learn more about how Naperville is protecting its ash trees and what they can do if they have a tree that needs treatment by visiting www.naperville.il.us/eab. The City encourages community members to stay informed and take action to preserve the health of their urban forest.

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