Lake Forest Will Speed Up Removal of Ash Trees

Submitted by the City of Lake Forest

At its February 2 meeting, the Lake Forest City Council approved accelerating the already-budgeted funding for expedient removal of infested ash trees. A unanimous vote approved the expenditure of an additional $160,000 for the removal of ash trees in 2015. According to City staff, removing the remaining 1,263 infested trees now will reduce the potential safety hazards associated with dead and dying ash trees throughout the community.

Over the next five years, the accelerated Emerald Ash Borer Program is expected to save the City $180,000 and allow for a more manageable and timely approach to tree removal, treatment and reforestation. City-wide ash tree removal will begin in the next few weeks.