Emerald ash borer invades central Illinois

The emerald ash borer has been devastating ash trees in central Illinois since mid-June, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

The emerald ash borer, known for its appetite for ash tree foliage, has destroyed at least 90 ash trees in Urbana, Illinois since June, says Urbana Arborist Mike Brunk. He predicts that the city will have lost all of its city-owned trees to the pest within the next two years.

In Champaign, Illinois, city arborist Andrew Lamoreaux reports the removal of 39 ash trees since the beginning of July. The infestation is so severe, Champaign is pre-emptively removing of all of its ash trees over the next six years.

Click here to learn more about the emerald ash borer, and other common tree pests.

Photo Credit: Bugwood.org