What's That Pink Dot? City Marks Trees Infested with Emerald Ash Borer for Removal

The Public Works Department has begun marking ash trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer, a metallic green beetle that kills the trees, in the city's parkways. The trees are marked with pink dots and are scheduled to be removed in the next 12 months. The city is removing dead and dying ash trees from the parkways in order to manage its urban forest.  If your tree is marked with a pink dot, please remove any plantings, edging or landscape blocks that surround the tree. 

For more information, please join us at the Community Awareness Fair at Oak Forest High School on October 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or visit the Emerald Ash Borer page on the city's website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will the city remove the stump once the tree is removed?
Yes. Stumps are added to a list and ground (removed), within 90-120 days of the removal of the tree. Due to the potential high volume of work, this timeframe may be adjusted. Depending on the season, wood chips may remain in place or the area will be restored with topsoil and seed.

Why do the plants, edging, and landscape block need to be removed prior to stump removal?
Machines used for grinding stumps are essentially large-scale chainsaws with teeth that are intended for wood and topsoil only. Blocks, edging, and landscaping prohibit the unit from accessing the stump and can cause damage to the machine. These unapproved parkway installations must be removed prior to removal of the stump.

Will the city replant trees that are removed from the parkway?
It is currently the city's policy to replant parkway trees that are removed within one year. With the onset of EAB and subsequent substantial loss of nearly 2,000 parkway trees, replacement will take place as funding becomes available. As the rate of EAB losses increases, the time frame for replanting will lengthen. The city is pursuing grant opportunities to replace trees.

May I plant a tree in the parkway?
Yes, but since planting will take place on city-owned property, the installation must meet certain requirements (including planting location and species selection) to be approved by the city. A permit is required but the fee will be waived.