Grassroots Efforts to Save Morton Grove’s Trees From Budgets and Beetles

A small group of Morton Grove residents are working to raise tree awareness to counteract severe budget cuts and the impact of the emerald ash borer on village trees.

The economic downturn has swiftly affected Morton Grove tree care. The 2011 tree maintenance budget, which includes branch trimming and pick up after storm damage, has virtually been eliminated, according to Village Arborist Bill Burns.

“By contrast, Morton Grove’s 2010 tree maintenance budget was about $15,000, down from a high of $45,000 about five years ago,” Burns said.

The second threat to Morton Grove trees comes in the form of a tiny but pernicious beetle called the emerald ash borer. The beetle’s larvae burrow so thoroughly under the bark of ash trees that the tree starves and dies. (See photo)

“We’ll be removing a total of more than 1,400 ash trees along Morton Grove parkways,” Burns said grimly. “Of those, 400 ash trees have already been removed, with up to 350 more parkway ash trees slated for removal this year.”

“If we don’t start making some serious grassroots efforts, we could wake up one day to no trees—we’d have to change the name of the village to just ‘Morton’,” quipped Morton Grove Mayor Dan Staackmann.

“Trees are an issue that has been pushed out of the limelight due to the [overall economic situation]. But the longterm effect can be devastating to the whole country,” Staackmann added. “We all have to make the effort to plant and maintain our trees.”

Two programs and a recent grant have been developed to help support Morton Grove trees.

Memorial Tree Planting Program

The just-launched Memorial Tree Planting Program, spearheaded by Trustee John Thill, is a grassroots program to counteract the lack of tree replacement funds in the village budget.

The Planting Program lets participants mark special occasions or people by sponsoring the planting of a new sapling or sponsoring an existing tree. The trees will be planted on Village property and cared for by the Village. The Public Works department will keep a record of donated or sponsored trees.

“You can choose from 10 types, including sugar maple, tuliptree, yellow buckeye and serviceberry,” Thill said. The cost depends on tree size and type.

“We’ve had three donations in the first two weeks,” Thill added, noting that registration forms can be found at the Village Hall.

Morton Arboretum Tree Grant

The Village recently received more than 50 young trees, valued at about $1,000, through a grant from the Lisle, Ill.-based Morton Arboretum.

The receipt of the new trees was coordinated by Natural Resource Commissioner Grant Gilbert, who serves as director of major gifts at the Arboretum.

“Some 37 of the larger saplings, including river birches and paper birches, are being planted in open spots on parkways throughout town,” said Burns, who oversees tree planting and removal for the village. “The smaller saplings will be placed on village property where we can look after them as they grow.”

Champion & Heritage Trees

Now in its fourth year, Morton Grove’s Champion and Heritage Tree Program recognizes unique and historically significant trees around town.

Six trees per year are added to the registry, chosen for their health, form, age, heritage and type. To date, the current tally stands at 18 heritage trees. Among them is the Indian Marker white oak tree at Beckwith and Narragansett. A spreading ash-leafed maple tree that provides shade for many children's summer programs in Harrer Park is also on the Registry.

“We’re accepting Heritage Tree nominations through Labor Day,” says Natural Resource Commission Chair and Morton Grove Historical Museum Curator Mary Busch. “In fall, we’re planning a heritage tree walk plus a video tour that will be available on the Morton Grove TV channel.”

Registration forms can be found at the Historical Museum, the Park District’s Prairie View Community Center and the Village Hall.