Signs mark trees in treatable condition and give a fundraising QR code. 130 trees tagged for emerald ash borer treatment A census of neighborhood parkways found 130 trees that would qualify for treatment in an East Village Association initiative to manage Chicago's emerald ash borer infestation. A fundraising campaign is under way to fund tree preservation. The cost for private treatment is estimated at $150 to $200 per tree. A systemic insecticide, injected into mature trees every few years, is effective in protecting trees from the beetle, whose larvae tunnel under the bark and starve trees of water and nutrients. Untreated infestations are fatal. EVA volunteers found 57 good and 73 fair candidates for treatment based on the condtion of the tree's top layer or canopy. The neighborhood's leafy streets have been a magnet for renters and home buyers who value the cool breezes, rustling leaves and chirping birds of an urban landscape. Rich Anselmo, Lacey Cordero, Marjie...

Chicago's urban forest includes 43,000 green and white ash trees. Most of these trees will die soon due to infestation by the emerald ash borer. This is a catastrophic loss for many reasons. Trees clean the air and water, cool the temperatures in the summer, and make humans happier and healthier. They contribute to more successful business districts and lower crime. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the air. They make a vast contribution to our streetscapes, neighborhood ambience and property values. As an arborist once said, trees do much more for the public good than most people. Preserving and adding to the urban forest is one of the primary strategies in Chicago’s climate change mitigation plans. Losing these trees will be highly detrimental to the health and welfare of our communities. But this devastation can be stopped! East Village Association and concerned neighbors are raising funds to treat the ashes with a treatment that can keep them healthy. C...