Tree Conservation Services
Offering safe control options for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Treating trees impacted by invasive pests
Much of the forest in Nova Scotia has been changed from its natural Acadian condition over the last several centuries, with a loss to species diversity, forest structure, and complexity. This has reduced forest resiliency and health. It is hard to imagine trees dying that have been part your home or cottage.
Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) or HWA is an invasive insect that is damaging and killing eastern hemlock trees. First detected in Virginia in the 1950's, the eastern HWA population originated from southern Japan, and is now established from Georgia though western and central Nova Scotia (Yarmouth, Shelburne, Digby, Annapolis, Queens, Lunenburg, Kings, Halifax and Hants counties). The adelgid has no effective natural enemies in eastern North America to help keep its population under control. Within 4-15 years, up to 95% of hemlocks in a stand can die from an infestation of HWA. Entire tracts of hemlock have disappeared in the United States. Tree death is already occurring in southwest Nova Scotia.
Hemlock trees are among the largest and longest-lived species in our forest. They make up much of its remaining old-growth stands and some of the most ecologically valuable forested areas - we work to see these stands remain.
Monitoring the impacts
“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. This detection is outside of currently regulated areas for hemlock woolly adelgid in the province, which includes the counties of Digby, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Annapolis”. - June 2020
“Hemlock woolly adelgid was first reported in the United States (Virginia) in the 1950s and has been establishing itself along the eastern coast of the United States. In 2017 it was detected in southwestern Nova Scotia, and in 2023 was first detected in Halifax and Hants counties.”
“Although several control options for hemlock woolly adelgid have been developed, none are completely effective on their own, so a combination of all available control strategies is being used in an effort to save the existing hemlock stands. High-value hemlocks are being protected using chemicals,” - Journal of Integrated Pest Management
Book a Consultation
Tell us what your management goals are and we’ll assess your property - providing you with a plan and quote.