Emerald Ash Borer: Protecting Our Trees in Illinois
The emerald ash borer is one of the most destructive invasive pests threatening Illinois’ urban and suburban tree canopies. Originally from Asia, this small green beetle has devastated millions of ash trees across the Midwest, leaving neighborhoods with costly removals, weakened landscapes, and reduced biodiversity. For Chicago North Shore residents, understanding the risks, treatment options, and replacement strategies is essential to protecting both property value and community green spaces.
What Is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a metallic green beetle whose larvae burrow under ash tree bark, cutting off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Once infested, trees can die within two to five years. According to Illinois landscape sustainability guidelines, many property owners remain unaware of the pest until it’s too late. Signs of infestation include canopy thinning, woodpecker activity, bark splits, and D-shaped exit holes.
Unlike other pests, EAB spreads quickly, making early detection and response critical. Left unmanaged, it can wipe out entire stands of ash trees, which provide shade, serve as habitats for wildlife, and offer stormwater benefits.
Treating & Managing Emerald Ash Borer Invasions
For homeowners who want to preserve mature ash trees, professional treatment may extend tree life. Insecticide injections performed by certified arborists can be effective, but they must be repeated regularly and are generally best for healthy, high-value trees. Preventive care is most effective when symptoms have not yet appeared.
However, removal is often the most cost-effective long-term strategy, especially for trees already showing significant decline. Proper disposal of infested wood is also crucial in preventing the spread of emerald ash borer populations. Sustainable tree care programs emphasize balancing chemical treatment with responsible removals and replanting efforts.
Choosing Resilient Replacement Trees in Illinois
Once removal is necessary, replanting with diverse, resilient species helps restore the landscape and protect against future pest outbreaks. Recommended replacements for ash include oak, maple, honey locust, Kentucky coffeetree, and disease-resistant elm. Native trees not only provide beauty and shade but also support pollinators and local ecosystems.
Pappas Company encourages a thoughtful replacement planting strategy, using a variety of species to avoid monocultures that make landscapes vulnerable to the next invasive pest. Over time, this strengthens the urban forest and maintains the environmental benefits trees provide, from stormwater management to cleaner air.
Partner with Chicago North Shore Landscaping Specialists
Managing emerald ash borer requires both expertise and long-term planning. Pappas Landscape & Design works with Chicago North Shore residents to assess ash trees, recommend treatment or removal, and design replacement planting plans tailored to each property. By combining education, sustainable practices, and proactive solutions, our team helps protect valuable landscapes and ensure healthy trees for generations to come.
To explore landscaping services for your home, contact the Chicago North Shore specialists at Pappas Landscape & Design.
