How Are Western Springs Trees Doing?

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The trees on the Western Springs village government's lands and rights-of-way are mostly in good shape, according to a recent tree study. Three-fourths of the slightly more than 8,000 trees are rated in good condition, while only 2 percent are dead or nearly dead.

The top species among the trees are Norway maple (17 percent), honey locust (15 percent), red maple (12 percent), silver maple (11 percent) and hybrid elm (9 percent), the study shows. The honey locust trees are rated in the best condition.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, Trustee Nicole Chen said she had asked during an earlier committee meeting whether the village should plant more honey locusts because they are doing well.

"I was actually told no. The key to a good forestry program is diversification, so trees wouldn't be exposed to diseases or pests for a particular species," Chen said.