The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found in Schaumburg in 2008. Strategic plans were created as to how Schaumburg would manage that threat. The management plan focused on the removal, replacement, and treatment of the ash trees.
Removal
The ash population was 12,080 trees prior to the introduction of EAB. Over the last 14 years, 10,685 ash trees were removed. In FY 23/24, 15 trees were removed leaving a population of 1,370 trees. Ash trees will continue to be monitored and inspected to determine survivability.
Replacement
Species diversification plays a major role in replanting the urban forest. Ash represented 33% of the Village inventory; this contributed to the fast spread of EAB. Staff currently utilizes over 40 different species of trees to replace the Ash. In addition, staff is following the 30-20-10 rule wherein no more than 30% of a family, 20% of a genus, and 10% of single species will be planted. Many native species of trees are being planted which provide valuable food and habitat to urban wildlife. Thus far 8,786 trees have been planted to replace the EAB ash trees and 409 spots are currently vacant. Approximately 1,878 additional sites have not be replanted as of FY 23/24 due to space restrictions (1802) and resident refusals (76) of replacement trees.
In FY 23/24, staff planted 390 trees and installed 1,429 tree watering bags on parkway trees. A total of 304 watering bags are being supplied to single family residences, and watering letters are delivered to ask for assistance to water trees throughout the growing season. The remaining 1,125 watering bags were installed at commercial buildings, parks, schools etc. These 1,125 trees are scheduled for contractual watering during hot and dry conditions. These trees have been planted within the last three years and are located in areas where access to water is limited.
Treatment
At the onset of EAB, Village staff tested three treatment options and have since used Tree-age as the sole treatment. Treatments Xytec and Legacy Tree Program Safari were discontinued due to environmental concerns and ineffectiveness. The Village currently treats 1,370 trees with Tree-age. Research has shown that the insecticide can be used on a triennial cycle, thus the Village treats approximately 456 trees per year.
Status Update
The attached table depicts the relevant historical and projected data. It is now the sixteenth year since the discovery of EAB in Schaumburg, and staff feels the program to be an overall success. Schaumburg has lost many ash trees, but the ash population is at a manageable level. The Village’s tree inventory has the recommended diversity for maintaining a healthy, dynamic, and resilient urban forest.
The full amount of the $250,000 congressional grant managed by the Forest Service was received in FY 23/24. Now that we have stabilized the Ash population and planting will be completed, staff will monitor and manage the Ash trees through the normal tree maintenance program. The treatment of the EAB with Tree-age will continue with the recommended three-year cycle. FY 24/25 will be the final year of this report.
EPW will continue to plant a diverse urban forest at vacant sites using operational budget. Staff will prioritize vacant sites based on removal date and feasibility. As discussed at the October 19, 2023 EPW Committee meeting, there are 150 sites that are classified as resident refusals or denials (EAB + non-EAB). It's worth noting that residents are not provided with the option to refuse tree plantings. They are instead given a reforestation brochure, and EPW staff excel at informing residents about the positive impact of trees on the environment and overall community. The option to decline has been allowed to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.