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The Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is the most shade tolerant and long-lived tree in Eastern North America. The dense, evergreen canopy of mature hemlock forests provide important habitat for white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, songbirds, and other wildlife. In addition, a variety of aquatic species, including North Carolina’s only native trout, the brook trout, is more likely to be found in streams drained by hemlocks than those drained by hardwoods. Hemlocks help moderate stream temperatures and regulate water flow. They are also an important commercial tree to rural communities.

Eastern hemlock forests have significantly declined since the accidental introduction of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) to the Eastern U.S. in the 1950’s. Native to Asia, this aphid-like insect consumes precious nutrients from hemlock needles and causes the tree to drop its leaves. Without needles, hemlocks cannot grow or produce new shoots, which can result in tree death within just a few years. The hemlock woolly adelgid attacks trees of all ages and sizes, and infested trees seldom recover without intervention.

The loss of eastern hemlocks is expected to have dramatic and long-term ecological impacts on southern Appalachian forest structure and function, including the loss of wildlife habitat and changes in hydrologic processes. Moreover, the reduction in shading may increase stream temperatures and produce conditions unsuitable to the survival of the brook trout and other cold water species. Increased nutrient inputs as a result of erosion following extensive hemlock mortality can result in the deterioration of water quality in watersheds that provide public drinking water.

The small white balls, seen here, are easily identifiable as egg sacks of the hemlock woolly adelgid.

Nearly all of the hemlocks in Moody Cove are infested with the hemlock woolly adelgid. Navitat is committed to saving as many of our trees as possible, and we have established a long-term hemlock woolly adelgid management plan. We have identified priority trees for treatment and have begun control using soil injection methods. Our hope is to preserve the character of Eastern hemlock forests here in Moody Cove and raise awareness about this ecologically important species.

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