Emerald Ash Borer inoculation saves 5,000 trees in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ninety-three percent of the ash trees inoculated for the Emerald Ash Borer in 2011 and 2012 are still alive and well, according to the city of Chicago.

The emerald ash borer is an exotic beetle that has killed tens of millions ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone. Trees are also dying in 21 other states, including Illinois.

The Department of Streets and Sanitation inoculated 5,400 ash trees in 2011 and 2012. About 5,000 of those trees remain viable and accepted this year's treatment, the mayor's office said.

The treatment kills 99 percent of Emerald Ash Borers in an affected tree. The cost to inoculate a single tree is $46. The cost of removing and replacing a dead tree is $1,000.

Mayor Emanuel's goal is to have all viable parkway ash trees inoculated by this fall.