Woodridge Named Tree City U.S.A. !
The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S.D.A Forest Service, has designated Woodridge a 2007 Tree City U.S.A. recipient. The Village's comprehensive forestry program, dedicated Public Works' crews, and supportive residents have secured this distinction for Woodridge for the past 17 years. This award honors communities that have proven their commitment to an effective and ongoing forestry program and have met certain criteria set by the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives," says John Rosenow of the Foundation. Woodridge is dedicated to the protection, health and replenishing of its abundance of beautiful trees.
Forestry
The Public Works Department is responsible for Forestry, and employs six certified Arborists. This division plants trees in parkways and landscapes medians throughout town. Through their hard work and dedication, Woodridge has been the proud recipient of the Tree City USA award for every year since 1992.
Tree Share Program
Public Works has published a twelve-page brochure for residents interested in the Tree Share Program. This booklet explains how the Village assists residents who wish to purchase trees for their parkways. It also describes various trees offered through Tree Share. The brochure is available at both Village Hall and Public Works. Click here to download a copy of the Tree Share Brochure.
Brush Chipping
The Public Works Department and the Park District operate a site on 71st Street just west of Woodridge Drive where residents may drop off their brush. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month from May through October. The price is $2 per carload and $4 per pickup truck, van or trailer. Branches up to 5" in diameter are accepted. Proof of residency is required. Residents are also welcome to take the chips generated by this program for use around their properties.
Gypsy Moth Threat to Illinois Trees
Gypsy Moths are one of the most destructive forest and landscape pests in the United States. While oak trees are the most vulnerable, these moths feed on up to 500 other species of trees and shrubs. The Gypsy Moths are most destructive in May and June when the caterpillars feed on leaves. Trees throughout entire neighborhoods can be stripped of their leaves in a matter of a few months and surviving trees are left weakened and susceptible to other pests and diseases.
Gypsy Moths are rapidly encroaching our area. The best way to stop their spread is to be careful not to transport them into into our neighborhoods. Be careful not to use firewood from outside our local area or to bring in vegetation from areas which may have Gypsy Moth infestation. For more information on on the Gypsy Moth, recognizing infected trees and stopping the spread of this devastating pest, please pick up a free copy of the "Homeowner's Guide to Gypsy Moths in Illinois" in the Public Works Lobby at 1 Plaza Drive. You may also call the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Gypsy Moth Hotline at 866-296-6684 with any questions or for further information.
SCHEDULED GYPSY MOTH SPRAY
Weather permitting, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is planning to do a Gypsy Moth helicopter spray application on Friday, May 23, 2008 for Woodridge and surrounding areas.