The spotted lanternfly is wreaking havoc on the East Coast, but hasn't arrived in the Chicago area yet. Illinois and Indiana naturalists are watching Huntington, Indiana, where they have been found in a 35-acre area.
The overall number of trees in the region has increased, according to a 2020 tree census conducted by Morton Arboretum. But not all trees are seen as equals. Some are invasive and prevent native trees and plants from flourishing.