The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

 

Wooster Memorial Park has a great number of Hemlock trees that we will be monitoring for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and we need your help.

​

1. Look for the signs

      - In the fall, look at the underside of hemlock branches and note if any 'fuzzy white patches' are visible.

​

2. Report any findings

      - If any patches are found please contact us right away.

​

About the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) is a destructive introduced pest of forest and ornamental hemlock trees in the eastern United States. The adelgid feeds at the bases of needles, causing them to desiccate and the tree to take on a gray cast. The result is needle loss, which prevents trees from producing new apical buds. Heavy infestations have killed trees in as little as 4 years, yet some trees have survived infestations for more than 10 years. Other stress factors may affect the tolerance of certain hemlock trees to insect attack. 

​

These invasive pests have just recently been found in Lake and Geauga County, Ohio. While we're not anticipating finding them in our park this year, we are monitoring and asking for you to keep an eye out for any of the signs.

​

​

Links for more information:

​

USDA Forest Service - Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

​

OSU - Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Lake and Geauga County, Ohio