Community Corner
Would You Chip In to Replace Doomed Ash Trees?
The Village is staring down a massive removal of infested ash trees—and the challenge of replacing them.
The Emerald Ash Borer has left its mark on Lemont—to the tune of 2,000 diseased trees that will need to be yanked from village parkways.
Public Works has narrowed its focus to 252 trees in Glenys and McCarthy Point subdivisions as top priority, but those will be just the first to fall.
Officials have earmarked $50,000 for tree removal this year, and $10,000 for replacement; the efforts in the first subdivisions alone are expected to cost $54,936.
Read more about the trees' fate.
Public Works Director Ralph Pukula suggested putting the money set aside for replacement, for removal instead.
Residents can replace the trees on their own, but should ask the Village for recommended services. If residents opt out of replacing them, they'll have to wait until the Village can fund it—which could take up to six or seven years.
How much do you love the ash trees in Lemont? Would you pay to help replace them?
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