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Infestations threaten the health of the Village’s trees. The Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of trees in neighboring states. Gypsy Moths, as well, can defoliate a tree in a matter of days. Both of these insects have been spotted in or near Glen Ellyn. In addition, Oak Wilt has been found in Glen Ellyn, a fungus which can kill many species of oak trees. The Village maintains a diversified stock of public trees to avoid a significant loss of tree species to threats old and new. Use the following information to help prevent the spread of these infestations within our community.

• CLICK HERE to visit the Emerald Ash Borer Page

• http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign/homeowners/060525.html
• http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/pastpest/200809g.html

The Gypsy Moth is a leaf-eating insect that feasts on trees and shrubs. In large populations, it is capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them vulnerable to secondary insect and disease attacks. Gypsy Moth caterpillars can defoliate trees in a matter of days, leading to stress and susceptibility of death if it occurs over a period of years. The woods bounded by Crescent, Roger, the railroad tracks and Park Plaza, and Lake Ellyn sections of the Village have had a heavy infestation of Gypsy Moths in recent years, and this past summer the infestation spread throughout town.   

Evidence of a gypsy moth infestation comes in late spring and early fall. Tan or buff-colored egg sacks found on patio furniture, trees or houses may be evidence of an infestation.  The egg sacs are about 1 ½” X ¾” wide and are typically laid on objects near the trees where they are feeding, including picnic tables, campers, and grills. When these items are moved, the moth eggs “hitchhike” along like a wandering gypsy. For this reason, it’s extremely important to check all vehicles and equipment after camping in infested areas. 

If you suspect you have a gypsy moth infestation, please call Public Works at 630-469-6756 to report your location. You can also scrape off the egg sacs and drop them in soapy water, which will help to limit the number of eggs that hatch in the coming year. Visit www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/gypsymoth for more information.

This disease has been found in the area East of the tracks and North of the Railroad tracks.  This is a serious disease that affects many species of oak trees.  Oak Wilt is caused by a fungus that invades the water conducting system of a tree and interferes with the normal water flow.  In most cases oak trees that contract Oak Wilt die within a short period of time.  Red, pin and black oak are most affected, and will die with one year, with white, bur and swamp oak being less susceptible to the disease which may die within 2-3 years. 

Spread of Oak Wilt
Oak Wilt moves from tree to tree in a variety of ways:  It usually occurs by root graft, with infected tree roots intertwining with a healthy tree.  The other ways are by insects carrying the fungus and boring into a healthy tree, animals and pruning tools.

Symptoms
Symptoms usually progress from the top of the tree downward.  Generally the leaves at the top of the tree turn a dull green, then tan, then wilt and start falling.  This can occur in late June to early July.  As the disease progresses individual leaves quickly discolor, taking on a bronzed appearance.  The discoloration progresses around the margins of the leaf from the tip to the base.  Leaves fall rapidly as the disease progresses.  Trees can defoliate within a few weeks of symptoms onset. 

Diagnosis and Management
There are two ways to contain the disease: 1) provide a root graft barrier by trenching between the infected tree and healthy trees, and 2) remove the infected tree as soon as possible.  To protect non-infected trees an arborist can inject a chemical that will help protect the healthy tree from the disease.

As a precautionary measure, no pruning of oak trees should occur between April and October.  The beetle that carries the fungus is attracted to freshly cut wood.  Any firewood from an infected tree that is kept must have the bark peeled off.

Control
There is chemical and mechanical control for healthy trees.  Please visit this website http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/pdf_pubs/618.pdf for more information or contact Public Works Department.

Please watch for Oak Wilt symptoms in your neighborhood.  If you think a private tree may have symptoms contact a professional arborist immediately.  If your tree has been positively identified for OWD contact the Public Works Dept. If you think a public tree has symptoms contact the Public Works Department at 469-6756.