Hemlock

What's the big deal about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)?
  • it doesn't have any predators so once established there's no natural controls
  • it spreads very easily -- by wind, birds, by humans transporting wood
  • it has a track record of wiping out entire Hemlock forests


What does it mean for Nova Scotia?
  • the short answer is we don't know how it will progress
  • first discovered in South Western Nova Scotia summer 2017
  • Hemlocks are well established across the province
  • trying to determine the extent of infestation


Why should I care about Hemlock?

  • it has some commercial value
  • it is our oldest living tree and very important in the forest
  • if you fish ... it shades streams and rivers to keep the water cooler and healthier for fish
  • if you hunt ... hemlock groves are important habitat for wintering deer
  • if you are a naturalist ... important nesting habitat for birds

What can I do?
  • If you see a snowy, cotton-like growth on Hemlocks anywhere in the province, try and get a picture and call Ron Neville at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency : 902-536-1022
  • HWA is very small -- about the size of a pencil dot -- and can hide in the tree bark.  Please do not move firewood.  If you go camping, acquire your firewood where you burn it.


More information

  • New resource for Hemlock health in Nova Scotia - nshemlock.ca
  • Concise information on HWA from the Canadian Invasive Species Centre is [ here ] 
  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is leading the efforts with HWA.  Ron Neville gave a detailed update on HWA at the March 2018 Western Woodlands Conference at you can read it [here] 
  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agencies plan for HWA is [ here ] 
  • A Scientific Journal article on HWA [ here ] 
  • The following 10 minute video is from the Blomidon Naturalist Society and provides information about Hemlock and HWA in Nova Scotia