Beginning the week of June 9, Rockford's Public Works Forestry Division will begin an aggressive removal program of city owned ash trees; targeting trees with 50% or more of their leaf canopy showing signs of distress. According to a news release, the program is a response to the Emerald Ash Borer.
The Forestry Division treated approximately 10% of the city owned ash tree population, the remaining 7,000 ash trees will eventually all be removed.
In the short term, the areas most affected that will be targeted for removals this summer are:
Area bordered by Samuelson Rd., S. Mulford Rd., Broadway, and Kishwaukee St.
Area bordered by Auburn St., the Rock River, Elmwood Rd., and N. Central Ave.
