Thank you!

WITH YOUR HELP AND DONATIONS WE saved 288 trees this year!

Inventory of Ash Trees within HOLS Boundaries

The map below and linked here shows all trees that were sponsored directly by donors in blue and then the trees in teal are ones sponsored through donations given to the general fund. We directed those towards the largest trees on down to the smallest with the 91% of funds needed that we were able to raise.

What about the trees that weren’t saved?

We are treating the trees in August 2026 and then of the 34 green trees that are left unsponsored, we will leave up the map above which you can check and still save independently. Please CHECK IT FIRST though before you do to make sure it is not already sponsored and treated.

If you were interested in saving a tree privately, you would do so by contacting a certified EAB Treatment arborist to arrange the treatment needed. We recommend contacting one of the following arborists who has worked on this project through the North River Commission that may still give you a reduced rate when you mention “Chicago EAB”:

The Davey Tree Expert Company - Kyle Crawford, 312-492-7206

Bartlett Tree Experts - Eric Grossnickle, 773-529-7313

SavATree -  Kevin White, 847-729-1963

Since 2021 , Heart of Lincoln Square (HOLS) conducted three highly successful volunteer campaigns to inform neighbors about the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and give them an opportunity to save the street ash trees on our public parkways by donating to treat them to prevent infestation leading to their death.

Current science shows that the trees should be treated every three years to prevent EAB infestation.

They ARE A LARGE PART OF OUR URBAN CANOPY

Ash trees are a huge part of Lincoln Square’s beautiful tree canopy – at least 30 percent of it –  over 300 trees are within our HOLS area alone! How do you know if it’s an ash tree? Well the bark is tight with a distinct pattern of deep diamond-shaped ridges. Or easier yet - there are metal tags on the side facing the street that were from previous years of treatment from the city like below.

The Good news - Treatment works!

The good news is that ash trees can be preserved with a highly effective, inexpensive, and environmentally safe treatment.

Chicago was treating our street ash from 2012 until 2018 but the city ended the program due to a lack of funding. The result is that the street ash trees in HOLS will not be treated by the city again this year and for the foreseeable future. Since trees are important part of our green infrastructure and treatment is due every three years, this will continue to be on the private citizens to pay for these treatments.

Everyone benefits from these trees being a part of our community and it is up to us to save them. 

WHAT IF I AM OUTSIDE OF HOLS BOUNDARIES?

This issue affects every neighborhood in Chicago and the surrounding states. The more we get involved, the more we can save these trees. Many neighborhood groups are working on similar treatment programs either through the North River Commission or own their own. Please check this map of what areas we currently know of having active campaigns from 2021 - 2026 to see if you are already covered by one of these local civic groups.

But there are many areas without a plan in place to save ash trees. If that is your area, feel free to reach out and we would be happy to help you set up a similar program.

HELP HOLS SAVE YOUR ASH

Would you like to volunteer to help with future campaigns?

Great - we need a lot of feet on the ground to assist us! Please indicate below what you would be able to help with:

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