{"id":137924,"date":"2022-05-24T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-24T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timberworksva.com\/?p=137924"},"modified":"2022-05-24T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T16:00:00","slug":"virginia-insect-arthropod-pests-hemlock-woolly-adelgid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timberworksva.com\/virginia-insect-arthropod-pests-hemlock-woolly-adelgid\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Insect & Arthropod Pests: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dead limbs and diminished growth are disconcerting signs for any tree. Should a \u201cwoolly\u201d 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 <\/span>personalized tree care<\/span><\/a> can prevent you from ending up with a <\/span>dying tree<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Timber Works Tree Care offers such tree care services in Huntly, VA. Dedicated to caring for trees with comprehensive services, Timber Works prioritizes <\/span>excellent customer service<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>free estimate<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we outline how we identify and treat hemlock woolly adelgid:<\/span><\/p>\n

Identifying Hemlock Woolly Adelgids<\/span><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>hemlock woolly adelgid<\/span><\/a> (HWA) is a non-native pest that feeds on hemlock trees\u2019 fluid. Although the individual bugs are small, a swarm can cause significant harm. Early signs of infestation include <\/span>thinning, fading, and dying limbs<\/span><\/a> at the base of the tree. <\/span><\/p>\n

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). <\/span><\/p>\n

Once hatched, these insects create the tell-tale woolly growths under tree branches and at the base of needles, which are HWAs\u2019 nests. The insects go dormant during the height of summer\u2019s heat, then reappear in the fall and winter months to feed.<\/span><\/p>\n

How They Harm Trees<\/span><\/h2>\n

HWAs damage trees by inserting their long mouthparts into branches and withdrawing the tree\u2019s starches, direct results of which are <\/span>needle loss and branch dieback<\/span><\/a>. Over 4-10 years, infested trees\u2019 canopies begin to wither. The trees may die if left untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n

Tree care experts have several methods for treating HWA-infested trees, including:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n