City Secures Ash Tree Chopper

Those residents with private ash trees they want cut down now have the option of a tree removal service selected by the .

Pricing from Homer Tree Care, Inc. has been secured for cutting down the trees that are or can be affected by the emerald ash borer, a beetle that kills ash trees.

“Several residents have asked us about pricing for cutting trees down on their properties,” said City Administrator Troy Ishler. “We believe the prices we secured for residents are good, but, a resident may find better pricing elsewhere. This just gives them a place to start.”

According to the city:

Residents must contact Homer Tree Care directly at 815-838-0320. Depending on the diameter of the tree and necessary equipment, prices range from $12 to $40 per DBH for tree removal and $6.50 to $7 per DBH for stump grinding. All costs quoted for stump removal are considered equipment accessible. The cost does not include chip removal or restoration.

Visit Oak Forest's website for more information.

The emerald ash borer was first spotted in Oak Forest in November 2009. The metallic green beetle only hits ash trees. It's the larvae that cause damage to the inner bark of the tree.

Native to Asia, the ash borer wasn't found in North America until 2002. It's now present in several states and has become an ongoing problem for many communities.

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