Dead limbs and diminished growth are disconcerting signs for any tree. Should a “woolly” substance also appear on it, property owners might fear the worst for their tree. This combination of symptoms often indicates a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation. Nevertheless, proper identification and personalized tree care can prevent you from ending up with a dying tree.
Timber Works Tree Care offers such tree care services in Huntly, VA. Dedicated to caring for trees with comprehensive services, Timber Works prioritizes excellent customer service and honest communication. If each of your trees requires a unique solution, we will determine what they need. Contact us at (540) 692-9606 for a free estimate.
Below, we outline how we identify and treat hemlock woolly adelgid:
Identifying Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a non-native pest that feeds on hemlock trees’ fluid. Although the individual bugs are small, a swarm can cause significant harm. Early signs of infestation include thinning, fading, and dying limbs at the base of the tree.
That said, the woolly masses are the most obvious symptom of an infestation. HWAs first appear on trees during spring and early summer. They lay orange-brown eggs, which hatch into minuscule, crawling insects (often compared to sprinkled pepper).
Once hatched, these insects create the tell-tale woolly growths under tree branches and at the base of needles, which are HWAs’ nests. The insects go dormant during the height of summer’s heat, then reappear in the fall and winter months to feed.
How They Harm Trees
HWAs damage trees by inserting their long mouthparts into branches and withdrawing the tree’s starches, direct results of which are needle loss and branch dieback. Over 4-10 years, infested trees’ canopies begin to wither. The trees may die if left untreated.
Treatment
Tree care experts have several methods for treating HWA-infested trees, including:
- Spray: Imidacloprid is an insecticide spray that can be applied to entire trees. As a toxic chemical, however, it may be unsafe to use on trees located near homes.
- Insecticide Soap and Dormant Oil: Although less toxic than chemical treatments, avoid using soaps and oils near water sources. Moreover, these solutions should be applied during the fall season and should cover the entire tree.
- Soil Treatment: Administered through a small trench dug around an infested tree, soil treatment can take several months to work. Nevertheless, it is considered the best option.
Seek a Reputable Tree Care Provider for Your Dying Tree in Huntly, VA
A professional tree care service can suggest and safely apply the appropriate treatment method for your infested tree. If you suspect that your tree may be dying because of an infestation, seek a trusted tree care service in Huntly, VA. Our team comprises experts with various knowledge and experience in inspecting and treating trees. Moreover, we are fully licensed and insured for your protection. Contact us at (540) 692-9606 to receive a free estimate and have your dying tree inspected.
