Eastern hemlock trees: What makes them so significant?
Hudson Valley forests have relied on eastern hemlock trees for centuries. A forest giant, the eastern hemlock can live for over 500 years and reach heights of over 170 feet. Rich in biodiversity, eastern hemlock forests are a habitat for more than 120 species (including Sinterklaas’s 2022 honored animal—the porcupine—featured at Woodland Night) and anchor healthy forest ecosystems.
What is causing their disappearance?
Enter the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). This sap-sucking invasive insect has infested more than half of the eastern portion of the hemlock's range. The HWA can kill a hemlock tree in as few as four years without natural enemies. As the HWA feeds upon the starches in the tree, its needles become pale green-yellow and fall to the ground, causing the hemlock to die from the bottom up. A significant problem is being experienced in the Hudson Valley, with this infestation posing a threat to mature hemlocks between 150 - 200 years old on Winnakee properties.
What can be done to save these vital trees?
There are treatments that can be applied that eradicate the adelgid and protect the tree for 7-10 years from future infestations. In addition, research is underway to breed predators to the adelgid, which will be introduced into the environment to reduce the need for pesticides. Each initial treatment would cost Winnakee approximately $60 per tree.
Please consider a gift to Winnakee's Hemlock Initiative this GivingTuesday.
The highest chance of saving a hemlock is when at least a third or more of the crown is still intact. If the adelgid infestation progresses past that point, the chances of saving the tree are very low. Therefore, we must act now. Winnakee has more than 200 Eastern hemlock trees on our properties. We aim to protect and conserve as many of these essential trees as possible.
