What is Hemlock Woolly Adelgid?
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a small, aphid-like insect that feeds on the sap of hemlock trees. Native to Japan, it has become an invasive species in Eastern North America due to a lack of natural predators. As HWA feeds on the sap of trees it dries out the needles turning them a greyish-green color. The needles drop from the trees within a few months, leading to the death of major limbs within two years, progressing from the bottom of the tree upwards. The entire tree usually declines and dies within four to ten years.
No, that fluffy white stuff is not snow. It is actually a woolly substance that covers the insects and their egg masses.
Since the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid can cause significant damage in a short amount of time, early diagnosis and treatment is vital. We can perform an on-site assessment to determine the best course of action for your hemlock trees.
For more information, visit the VT Invasives website. https://vtinvasives.org/invasive/hemlock-woolly-adelgid
