City Hosting Emerald Ash Borer Open House Monday Night

The Emerald Ash Borer is so devastating, the city of Naperville is devoting an entire week to promote awareness and education on the beetle.

As part of its education efforts, the city will be hosting an open house Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The open house will provide information on the beetle and the options for treating trees in the fight against the beetle. Homeowners can also learn options for treating trees on private property. 

“This week is being established to encourage all citizens and civic organizations to increase their understanding and awareness of the emerald ash borer and its environmental, ecological and economic impact on the quality of life for the community,” city of Naperville Forestry Supervisor Jack Mitz said in a news release.

The beetle has infested and destroyed ash trees throughout the Midwest and was first discovered in Naperville in 2008, according to a news release from the city of Naperville. Ash trees account for about 25 percent of the trees found along the city’s parkways and the city has undertaken a multi-year treatment program for all of the healthy ash trees.

Without treating the healthy ash trees along city parkways, the city of Naperville expects all of the ash trees would be dead within five years, according to the . 

Ash trees that are badly infected will be removed, the city said. Residents will be notified if trees are treated or need to be removed. Homeowners who have trees that will be treated will have a door hanger explaining the type of treatment performed, according to the city.

The city has an interactive map allowing residents to track treatment of ash trees along parkways in neighborhoods across the city. The map also details the type of treatment and size of the parkway trees. 

The city of Naperville’s Emerald Ash Borer open house will be held tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center in Meeting Rooms B & C. Residents may stop in any time during the open house.