Attention Hemlock Owners!

The Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) is hosting a demonstration of chemical treatment methods to control the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) on Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Old Fort Picnic Area in Pisgah National Forest, 2415 State Road 1400, Old Fort, 28762.

Hemlock trees in western North Carolina are an important and irreplaceable component of our forests.  These trees have been suffering for over two decades from hemlock wooly adelgid, and invasive insect that can kill the tree in as little as four years.

However, hemlock management is simpler and less expensive than before.  This hands-off demonstration will be useful for landowners, natural resource managers, and tree care professionals.  We will use the trees on site to practice assessing hemlock health to determine the best treatment options, and HRI staff will demonstrate the HWA chemical treatment methods used on national forest and state lands.  These methods are available to all private landowners in North Carolina without obtaining a pesticide license or certification.  We will also discuss applicator and environmental safety, special considerations and guidance for hiring a tree care professional.

The program is FREE, but registration is required.  Please sign up by visiting savehemlocksnc.org/events/ by Monday, May 13.  Email outreach@savehemlocksnc.org or call 828-252-4783 with questions about the event.