Private elm tree insurance is again being offered to Evanston residents through the City of Evanston’s Park/Forestry Division.
While the City maintains elm trees on public property, homeowners are responsible for removing diseased elms from their private property.
Costs for removing diseased trees can range from $1,000 for a medium-sized tree to more than $4,000 for a very large tree.
The Private Elm Tree Insurance Program covers the cost of removing trees lost to Dutch Elm disease. If an insured tree is so infected that it must be removed, the City will handle all aspects and costs of the removal to ground level.
Removal of the remaining stump is up to the homeowner. Costs for the private insurance range from $60 to $140 per tree per year.
This is a one-year insurance program, and new applications must be submitted each year.
Applications are now available at the Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., on the City’s website, www.cityofevanston.org or by calling 847-866-2912. Completed applications and payment must be received by Friday, May 30.