The Hemlock Restoration Initiative is hosting a demonstration of chemical treatment methods to control the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid. 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 woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that can kill the tree in as little as four years.

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 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 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 to the North Carolina Arboretum members, but nonmembers will need to pay a $20 entrance fee. Registration is required.