Forestry

Approved Tree List(PDF, 390KB)

Information on Species(PDF, 227KB)

The benefits of trees in the landscape are many. The following tips will help assure the survival of newly planted and established trees.

Prune

Cut off dead branches, branches that cross or rub together, and suckers growing from the bottom and sides of the main trunk. (Oak trees should be pruned before April 1 or after Nov. 1 to avoid oak wilt.)

• Pruning cuts should be made close to the base of a branch (about ¼” away), do not leave a stub.
• Make cuts outside the branch ridge and collar; do not cut into the trunk of the tree.
• Place mulch 3-4 inches deep around the base of trees. This will retain moisture and prevent weeds and grass from growing around the base of the tree.
• Do not build a cone of mulch around the trunk base of trees. This practice encourages insects and disease to attack the tree. It also causes root growth within the mulch resulting in poor tree stability. Mulch should be raked into a flattened doughnut shape.
• Avoid nicking the bark on trees with lawnmowers and weed whips. Diseases enter through wounds on trunks and branches and may inhibit water uptake.
• Water newly planted trees. Regularly water new trees during dry periods for the first two to three years of life. Soak the ground thoroughly with a slow dripping hose. Established trees benefit from this practice also.
• Do not over-water new trees planted in heavy clay soils. Trees can wilt and die if roots are sitting in water.

Tree Care Tips(PDF, 103KB)

Informational Link

Why hire an Arborist 

Saving Trees from Drought and Heat

Determine mulch area

• The sizes of the plants and turning radius of your mower determine the size and shape of the mulch area.
• Mulch out to the drip line or edge of the widest branches, if possible.
• Group shrubs and trees into beds, instead of mulching around individual plants, to save mowing time and unify your landscape plantings.

Eliminate weeds and turf

• Clear all the weeds and grass from the area you intend to cover to prevent them from growing up through the mulch.
• Pull weeds by hand or hoe them out.
• Remove lawn grass by slicing under it with a spade, being careful to dig only into the top 2 to 3 inches of soil.
• Shake the soil out of the turf before discarding it to maintain the soil depth around your trees and shrubs.

Spread Mulch

• Cover the cleared area with 2 to 4 inches of mulch.
• Rake the mulch into a flattened doughnut shape.
• Make a neat outer edge by leaving a small gap between the mulch and the edge of the surrounding lawn.

Maintain mulch

• Replace mulch as needed during the growing season to maintain the 2 to 4 inch depth.
• Rake up and replace organic mulch in the spring, especially around roses and fruit trees.

Informational Link

How To Mulch(PDF, 82KB)

Proper Mulching Techniques

The City of Joliet has adopted an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan on May 16, 2011. This Management Plan will help guide the City of Joliet Forestry Division in the detection and action needed to address the Emerald Ash Borer Insect Infestation within the City of Joliet.

As of now there is No replacement program, but the City is working on funding a tree replacement program.

Recent Developments

Confirmed EAB Locations:

• Citywide

Background

During the summer of 2002, an exotic beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit where it has killed over 500,000 ash trees and has spread throughout the Midwest. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships of airplanes originating in its native Asia.

In 2004, the City of Joliet took the initiative to start planning for the borer, which could turn out to be more devastating than Dutch Elm Disease. Dutch Elm reached the U.S. in 1928 – Chicago by 1950 and spread throughout the area for decades killing millions of trees.

Signs and Symptoms of EAB

Infestation of emerald ash borer can be very difficult to detect until the branches of an infected tree begin to die. The most visible sign that the EAB is present if crown dieback, which appears after the first year of infestation. Usually the leaves on the upper third of the tree will begin to thin and the branches will begin to die. A number of suckers and branches will also sprout from the base of the tree and on the trunk. The bark may also split vertically and woodpeckers may begin to feed on the beetle larvae leaving visible damage on the bark. Adult beetles emerging from tree will leave a very small 1/8 inch diameter distinctly D-shaped exit hole that may appear anywhere on the trunk or upper branches. Distinct S-shaped larval feeding tunnels may also be apparent under the bark. Typically, the tree will die in about three years.

Early Detection/Management Early Efforts

In 2005, it was estimated that ash trees made up 20% if all street trees with over 505 in some neighborhoods. Initial steps taken to lessen the impact of the borer included:

• City Forestry Division, after consulting with Planners and City Administrators, removed all ash tree species from the city’s approved tree list. Neither the city, homeowners, nor developers could plant ash trees in the public right-of-way.
• Educational information was provided to homeowners and a TV interview with the City Forester was aired on local TV on a daily basis warning Joliet residents of the problems associated with Emerald Ash Borer and ash trees.
• The City began removing some of the older declining ash trees in the city right-of-way. The Forestry Department estimates 300 ash trees has been removed since 2005 and that quantity increases daily.
• Preventive treatment was not an option in 2005, since positive results were questionable. Current results of treatment to non-infested trees show promise.

Typical signs and symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer include bark splitting, serpentine galleries and D-shaped exit holes in the trunk, and increased woodpecker activity in and around area ash trees. Upper branches of trees show bare wood and insect holes first. Homeowners who notice any of these signs are strongly encouraged to contact the City Forester. For other identification features, visit emeraldashborer.info.

Management Plan

The city has implemented 3 options in the process once the borer has been confirmed.

1. The city will remove the tree as time allows but before the next flight season (May 1). Trees will be replaced when funding is available.
2. The city will not be treating parkway ash trees at this time. Homeowners may opt to treat the tree, but must give the city proof of work to be done and by whom.
3. Once a tree dies, the city will remove it. The city will use a color-coded system to identify those trees with infestation and removal of notifications. Trees may be replaced when funding is available.

Residents whose ash tree has been confirmed with having EAB and those who have an ash tree located in the city parkway adjacent to an infested ash tree will receive a letter from the city notifying them of the situation and the steps that follow.

At this time, the city does not have the available funds to replace all trees that may have to be removed. Residents will have the option to purchase a tree for the parkway. The city forester will contact tree nurseries to get the best price possible for residents who opt to purchase and plant their own tree in the city parkway. A permit is required if residents choose to plant a parkway tree. This allows the Forestry Department to keep an inventory of tree species and other data in order to manage diversity and eliminate anticipated future problems.

Treatment

If the resident wishes to treat their parkway tree/s or privately owned trees to help protect and minimize the threat of EAB infestation, they would be responsible for the cost of this treatment. It is important to understand that this treatment may need to continue for a number of years. Listed below are two chemicals that are currently being used for treating ash trees. There are more treatments available but these appear to be more effective.

• The first chemical is Merit (imidacloprid), which can be applied as a soil drench. The homeowner can purchase at your local home improvement store and should only be applied to smaller trees less than 12” in diameter. A certified arborist must do this application and must be licensed with the City of Joliet to do tree work.
• The second chemical is Tree-Age; this chemical must be injected into the trunk of the tree. A certified arborist must do the application and must be licensed with the City of Joliet to do tree work.

Pricing will vary between companies based on the chemicals used and the diameter of the tree being treated. Each of these chemicals has shown promising results in combating the EAB. Should you decide to chemically treat your parkway tree, you must contact the City’s Arborist will determine is the tree is appropriate for chemical application. If a resident chooses to treat chemically, the City Arborist must be consulted regarding the treatment process and documentation required. With all applications, nutrients and water are also very important in maintaining the health of the tree.

According to the treatment guide, a do-it-yourself insecticidal control option is to apply a product like Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control, containing imidactoprid, onto or injected into the soil around the tree annually. To ensure the insecticide is in the leaves by the time adults emerge to feed in early June, products are most effective when applied mid-April until the end of June. The larger the diameter of the tree, the earlier the product should be applied. The imidacloprid strength in the home use product if less than the product available by professional arborists.

A program of sustained treatment will be needed to conserve trees throughout peak EAB infestation. However, as the local EAB population may decline do to the death of untreated ash, it is possible that treatment frequency may be reduced.

Stay Informed

The City of Joliet has taken major steps forward in their forestry program over past 15 years. A tree board was established 20 years ago and a forester was brought on staff to oversee the urban forest, administer daily care functions, and manage critical situations, in which the city’s tree and damaged due to storms, destructive diseases and insects.

When Dutch Elm Disease wiped out the stately elm in America’s cities, a replacement was sought to fill in the gaps left by dead elms. Instead of looking fro diversity in tree spices many municipalities, from the 1960’s through the 90’s repeated the mistake of the past by over-planting a few species. Together, the tree board, the Forester and city staff have stopped the practice of planting a mono-culture of trees. Many ash trees, possibly 30,000 or more will be lost due to the over-planting of ash trees 15 years ago. The city forester and tree board have taken major step forward to ensure situations like the Emerald Ash Borer will never again drastically effect to city’s tree population through educational literature, Arbor Day Celebrations, and other educational event for the public.

Residents can act individually to improve their natural environment through the planting and care of trees and by supporting community-wide forestry programs. Technology is helping people learn more about trees and how they benefit mankind, and how every person can for a better job of planting and caring for trees that make up the urban forest that we admire everyday.

Please contact the city forester with any questions or concerns you may have pertaining to Emerald Ash Borer and all other tree-related questions.

What is a parkway? How do I know if a dead/dying tree is located within the city parkway?

A city parkway is typically defined as the grassy easement area found between the sidewalk and the curb line of the street.   In some instances, streets may not have sidewalks.  In these cases, a City Foreman or Arborist will need to physically go to the property to determine if the tree falls within the easement.   The City of Joliet does not remove trees on private property or trees located within alleyways.  These areas are all considered private property, and it is up to the individual residents to maintain.   Before removing any trees and before digging, residents should contact J.U.L.I.E. at 811 or visit illinois1call.com/ for more information.  If trees require trimming and/or removal and they are located near utility poles or power lines residents should contact ComEd at (800) 334-7661 or visit ComEd.com for more information.

I have a dead/dying tree in the city parkway. Is the resident responsible for removing it?

No, the tree is considered city property.  It is the city’s responsibility to remove dead/dying trees within the city parkway.  To report an issue with your city parkway tree(s), call 815-724-3650.

How do I know if a city parkway tree has been infected with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

Typical signs and symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) include bark splitting, serpentine galleries, D-shaped exit holes in the trunk, and increased woodpecker activity in and around the area.  Upper branches of the trees will show bare wood and insect holes.  For other identification features, visit emeraldashborer.info/.

How do I know if a city parkway tree has been marked for removal?

City crews will mark infected trees by painting a number on the tree; this indicates to residents the tree has been placed on the City Forestry Department’s list for removal.  Then number indicates the circumference of the tree; the color of paint used for the numbering is insignificant.  Once marked, even if the paint has worn off over time, the city parkway tree has been placed on the list for removal. Residents should call the Forestry Department at 815-724-4046 or the City Hall Information Desk at 815-724-4000 to notify the City of any dead/dying trees within the parkway that have not been marked or are in need of removal.

The city parkway tree has already been marked.  When can residents expect to see it removed?

Once the city parkway tree has been marked with a number, the actual removal of the tree may not occur for the next five to seven years.  This lengthy amount of time is due to the very large number of trees infected.  The City of Joliet thanks residents in advance for their patience.

The city came out and removed the parkway tree but left the stump.  When can I expect to see the tree stump removed?

City Parkway tree stumps are scheduled to be ground out approximately one month after the tree has been removed, weather permitting.  Again, due to the extremely large number of trees infected, the city asks that residents be patient.    

The city ground out my tree stump but left woodchips in the hole.  Are they coming back to clean this up?

No.  The City crew will leave the ground up chips as “fill” for the hole from the tree stump.  They do not come back and fill the hole with dirt, seed or sod; as this is the resident’s responsibility.

My tree stump has been ground out.  When can I expect a parkway tree replacement(s)?

Once a city parkway tree has been removed and the resident decides they want a city parkway tree replacement in its place, residents must fill out and return a “Requesting a New Tree to Be Replanted” form in order to get on the City list to be eligible for a replant.  This form can be found on Parkway Tree Planting Request

All the residents on my street received a city parkway tree replacement but me. Why?

Not all residents will receive a city parkway tree replacement due to property space restrictions and/or if the new tree could cause a future visibility obstruction to adjacent; intersections, street signs, utility lines/poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or will interfere with other plant material, or corner lots, etc.  Additionally, city parkway tree replants cannot be planted in the same location of the removed tree, due to the root system of the old tree.  Adequate space is needed within the parkway to support the new replant.  This decision is determined by the City Arborist.      

PLEASE NOTE:  Residents must submit a “Requesting a New Tree to Be Planted” form from the city website in order to get on the city’s parkway tree replant list to be eligible for a replant.

The city planted a new tree in the parkway. Who is responsible for watering it and how often should it be watered?

Residents are required to water their newly planted city parkway tree(s) for a minimum of (5) five minutes every other day.  Trees that have died due to non-watering will not be replaced by the city.

Does the City offer any assistant programs to help residents remove dead trees that are located on their own private property?

The city does not remove any tree(s) that fall within residential private property lines and is not aware of any programs offering assistance.  Residents should contact a licensed arborist and are strongly encouraged to use companies that are licensed and bonded.  When cutting up private tree debris remember to follow Waste Management’s Guidelines for proper tree disposal (See below).   Additional information about Waste Management’s Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste policies and procedures can be found on Garbage and Recycling.