If you have hemlocks on your property near Thurmont, Emmitsburg, or the Catoctin foothills, take a close look at the underside of the branches over the next few weeks. Tiny white, cottony tufts at the base of the needles are the calling card of hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that has been killing hemlocks across Maryland's mountains for years.
The adelgid spends the summer dormant and becomes active again in fall, which is when the woolly coverings start to build up and become easier to see. The insects feed at the base of the needles, drawing on the tree's stored nutrients. Over several years, an infested hemlock thins out, loses its deep green color, and stops putting on new growth.
Caught early, many hemlocks can be protected with treatment from a licensed applicator. Once a tree has lost most of its foliage, it may be too far gone to save, and a dead hemlock near a house, cabin, or driveway becomes a removal question. Knowing which situation you're in is the first step.
Do you have hemlocks on your property, and have you ever checked them for those little white tufts?
#HemlockWoollyAdelgid #ThurmontMD
A real close-up of the underside of a hemlock branch showing white woolly tufts at the base of the needles, plus a wider shot of a thinning, grayish hemlock on a local property. Authentic local photos strongly preferred. Authentic photos of real Watts Tree Experts crews and job sites are strongly preferred over stock images.
Canva text suggestion: "Check Your Hemlocks for White Tufts" or "Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Is Active Now"