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MICHIGAN WEATHER

Time to Check Trees for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid



The Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development encourage those who have eastern hemlock trees on their property to take time this winter to inspect the trees for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid. Anyone taking to the woods also can help by looking for signs of this invasive insect while hunting, hiking or enjoying other outdoor activities.

Winter is the best time to look for evidence of an infestation, according to Robert Miller, MDARD's invasive species prevention and response specialist.

"Cooler temperatures trigger feeding activity," Miller said. "As hemlock woolly adelgids feed, they secrete a white, waxy material that creates ovisacs. The presence of these small, round, white masses makes it possible to identify infested trees."

As they feed, these tiny, soft-bodied insects consume a hemlock's stored nutrients, slowly sucking the life from the tree.

These insects are considered invasive because they are not native to the state and can cause significant harm to Michigan's estimated 170 million hemlock trees.

Infestations of hemlock woolly adelgid have been confirmed in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana and Mason counties, all bordering Lake Michigan.

Winter surveys underway Throughout the winter, survey crews from several cooperative invasive species management areas will look for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid, conducting surveys within a 5-mile border along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Because hemlock trees can be protected from these insects with proper insecticide treatments, infested trees and any other hemlocks within the area will be mapped and tagged, then prioritized for summer treatment.

CISMAs will seek landowner permission to conduct surveys of hemlocks on private lands within the shoreline border. CISMA survey efforts, supported by funds from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program and the U.S. Forest Service, are provided at no cost to landowners.

Though dozens of staff will assist in the surveys, they won't be able to check every hemlock. If you have hemlocks on your property, whether it's within or beyond the 5-mile shoreline border, take some time to look for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid. Anyone spending time outdoors is encouraged to do the same.

In Michigan's northern forests, hemlock trees are found in moist soils along streams and riverbanks and along coastal dunes. Hemlock also is popular as a landscape tree in parks and residential areas.

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