INVASION OF THE EMERALD ASH BORER AND THE HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID (HWA)

The Emerald Ash Borer and the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) are insects invading Ash trees and Hemlock trees in Western New York and other parts of the country.  These insects are slowly sucking the life out of the trees. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid reproduces white egg sacs in the trees and when they develop, kill the trees.

The importance of Hemlock and Ash trees cannot be overemphasized. They are hugely important to the ecosystem, Hemlock provides shades and moderates the temperature. The importance of these trees to birds, other plant species and trouts is not to be ignored.

A devastating thing about these insects is that the damage done cannot be easily detected which makes it hard to control the damage.

Ways to Prevent/Control the Epidemic

Getting a professional help is your best bet. Proper plant care service can be provided by a certified arborist in western New York to Ash trees and Hemlock trees to prevent the insects from destroying the trees. Control measures can be given to plants after systemic evaluation to protect Emerald Ash Borers and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid from the widespread or killing of trees.

The use of systemic insecticides can be used to control this epidemic. These insecticides can be applied as a soil drench, soil injection or a basal bark spray to the lower part of the trunk. These insecticides are transported in the cells that carry water from the roots to the foliage. There are specific times that are ideal for applying the products to hemlocks, it can either be in spring or fall when soils are neither too saturated nor dry.

It is important to adhere to the procedures strictly to avoid causing harm to the trees. More importantly, it is best to seek the service of a certified arborist for efficient and safe plant care. Call High Falls Tree Service today to speak with a certified arborist 585-467-9310.