City of Rock Falls Emerald Ash Borer Program

The Emerald Ash Borer has caused major destruction in Illinois by invading millions of Ash trees. The Ash, a typically resilient tree to the stresses of residential locations, is no match for the Emerald Ash Borer. The insect burrows in the tree right under its bark, effectively destroying its water and nutrient transporting tissues. Eventually, the Ash succumbs to starvation with no way to absorb its food source. Severe environmental and economic consequences are occurring as a result of Ash trees dying off across the Midwest. However, a plan to deal with the stressors of Emerald Ash Borer can mitigate the negative effects felt by a community.

In October 2015, the state of Illinois announced it will no longer restrict the movement of any cut, non-coniferous firewood within the state. This move was implemented because the EAB has been found in more counties within the state, making the pest too widespread to continue to regulate. Illinois joins Missouri, Iowa, and Kentucky in the deregulation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

For more information, see the State’s PDF press release.

Do you have Ash trees on your property?

Help us inventory the city’s population of ash trees by reporting trees on your property. Email the team rockfalls.eab@gmail.com.