Q-C arborists: Most area trees are surviving drought, insects.
Despite invasive insects and drought conditions, trees in the Quad-Cities are healthy overall, and communities are working to keep them that way.
The biggest problem facing Davenport trees remains emerald ash borers, said city arborist Chris Johnson.
Though Moline has 535 ash trees, park operations manager Greg Johnson said the city hasn’t had any trouble with emerald ash borers.
Until he sees changes, he said he expects Rock Island’s trees to continue doing well and offer good canopy cover.
Broken branches, fallen limbs and other such tree hazards need immediate attention, he said.
Chris Johnson said drought also has affected Davenport trees, with some dying this year because of drought stress from the summer of 2012.
Chris Johnson said he expects some local residents will be surprised by how extensive the drought and emerald ash borer damage is in Davenport.
"I still talk to people on almost a weekly basis who have never heard of the emerald ash borer," he said.
"We’re trying to, obviously, replace trees," Greg Johnson said.