This close-up photo depicts a moderate Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) infestation. These woolly, cotton-like egg sacs are most visible in late winter and early spring. They are found on the undersides of the branch and contain 90 to 300 eggs per cocoon.

This insect is decimating the hemlocks in the eastern US. I have witnessed this personally. In the high country along the Cherohala Skyway I have seen places where up to 90% of the hemlocks were already gone.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid but I feel that these links have vital information on how to save this tree species. These organizations are working with government agencies and the public to help save this tree. Please contact them to learn what you can do to save your trees. There is hope. It just takes getting the word out.

We have personally treated around 400 trees using imidicloprid according to their guidelines. A little over a year later they appear to be HWA free and have alot of new growth.

I have been into organic gardening for many years and have learned that insects do not like certain companion plantings. Aphids, for instance, don't like marigolds. Other insects don't like the mint family. In September of 2010, as an experiment, my wife and I created teas from plants we raised (both marigolds and spearmint). These concoctions were strained (filtered) then injected into the soil at the base of some of our smaller to mid-size, light- to-moderately infested trees. Eight months later the 30, or so, trees appear to be adelgid free. The jury is still out on that. I suggest using the proven methods and will keep this info updated.

These websites will get you pointed in the right direction.

Save Georgia's Hemlocks http://www.savegeorgiashemlocks.org/

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway http://blueridgefriends.org/index.cfm/fa/content.view/menuID/781.htm

Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center http://threatsummary.forestthreats.org/

Save Kentucky's Hemlocks http://www.kyhemlocks.org/

Posted 7-10-11