Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment & Prevention by SavATree Insects & Diseases The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a destructive, invasive insect that attacks North American hemlocks primarily in the eastern United States. These pests are tiny, often less than 2mm long, but are easily identifiable by the white, cottony masses they form at the base of hemlock tree needles. Without intervention, HWAs can cause tree decline, with tree death typically occurring within 4-10 years. Because a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation can spread quickly and devastate entire hemlock populations, early detection and proactive treatment are essential. At SavATree, our ISA Certified Arborists are expertly trained to identify HWA infestations and implement proven treatment strategies to protect your hemlock trees and prevent further spread. How Do Hemlock Woolly Adelgids Work? The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid attaches to hemlocks at the needle-base, then uses its sucking mouthparts to drain the tree’s nutrient-storing cells. This has a severe impact on the tree’s starch reserves and limits its ability to produce new growth. HWA spreads through multiple pathways: Wind carries the juvenile HWAs (also known as “crawlers”) from tree-to-tree Birds and mammals transport adelgids over longer distances Humans spread infestations through nursery stock, firewood, or equipment that has contacted infested trees. Once established, HWA populations can grow exponentially, with two generations per year in some regions, allowing infestations to spread rapidly. Signs of a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation Detecting a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation early is key to preventing widespread damage. Common signs to look for include: White, woolly masses at the base of hemlock needles, resembling cotton balls or snow Yellowing or browning of needles, starting with older interior foliage Premature needle drop, creating a thinning canopy Reduced new growth or stunted branch tips Overall decline in tree vigor and health Branch dieback starting from the bottom of the tree and progressing upward Presence of sooty mold on branches and trunk (secondary symptom) If you notice any of these symptoms, call your SavATree ISA Certified Arborist immediately for professional assessment. Early intervention dramatically improves treatment success rates and can save hemlock trees that might otherwise be lost to this destructive insect. Are your evergreens showing different symptoms? Your property may be dealing with other infestations or diseases entirely. SavATree offers comprehensive insect management and tree disease treatments that address many additional threats to your landscape. Lifecycle of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Understanding HWA's lifecycle helps in timing treatments effectively and identifying the pest at different stages throughout the year. During winter months, the female HWAs become active, feeding on hemlock sap and producing the characteristic white woolly egg masses. This is often when infestations are most visible. From March to June, females lay eggs within their protective woolly masses. Tiny crawlers hatch and settle at the base of needles and begin feeding. Throughout early summer, HWAs develop rapidly, with some individuals developing into winged adults that can disperse to new host trees. In late summer and fall, a second generation may develop, with young adelgids settling on branches to overwinter. The cycle then repeats as temperatures cool. Note: The HWA lifecycle may vary by region, so it’s always smart to talk to your local ISA Certified Arborist to pursue the treatment, and timing, that makes the most sense for your area. Where to Find Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment Near You If you're searching for "white fuzzy stuff on hemlock," "hemlock tree dying," or "hemlock woolly adelgid treatment near me," SavATree can help. Our ISA certified arborists will thoroughly assess your hemlock trees and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. Based on the severity of infestation and tree condition, we may recommend: Systemic treatments applied to soil or trees Tree health improvement programs to enhance natural resistance Monitoring protocols to track treatment effectiveness and prevent re-infestation SavATree's hemlock woolly adelgid management services combine cutting-edge tree care methods with ongoing monitoring to ensure your hemlock trees remain healthy and protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.