Spring tree planting begins

Forestry crews and contractors will plant 170 trees across the Village this spring, with another 80 trees planned for the fall. A $30,000 grant through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus helped to add nearly 100 trees to the planting schedule, as the Village combats the devastating impact of Dutch elm disease and the emerald ash borer. Officials say species diversity is the key to preventing the widespread loss that can occur when an urban forest lacks variety. Among the diverse selection of trees scheduled to be planted will be catalpa, black locust, purple and tricolor beech, chinkapin (chinquapin), State Street maple, bur oak, swamp white oak, Kentucky coffee, Heritage Oak, Triumph Elm, honey locust and a new elm, Emerald Sunshine. For more information on tree planting, call 708.358.5700 or e-mail publicworks@oak-park.us.