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The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a relentless invasive insect that feeds on the nutrients of Eastern Hemlocks, causing them to weaken, shed their needles, and die. This tiny pest has far-reaching impacts, posing a severe threat to ecosystems and communities that depend on hemlocks. In 3–10 years, entire stands of these majestic trees can be reduced to barren, gray skeletons of what once were thriving forests.
(Medway Community Forest Co-Op, 2024)
Now, HWA has made its way into the Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants County. While mass mortality has not yet set in, we are standing at a critical juncture—a narrow window of opportunity to act before the damage becomes irreversible. Acting now allows us to deploy proven, safe treatments that can preserve these irreplaceable trees and the countless benefits they provide.
(CFIA, 2024)
HRM and Hants County’s hemlock forests are especially vulnerable as the climatic conditions create an environment conducive to rapid HWA growth and spread. Additionally, a large portion of hemlocks are located on private land. This places much of the responsibility for their protection in the hands of landowners. Without coordinated action, fragmented efforts could hinder our ability to combat this invasive pest effectively. However, with the right treatments and community involvement, we can save these vital forests.
(Medway Community Forest, 2022)
(NRR, 2022)
The hemlock forests of Nova Scotia, with their towering trunks and dense, dark green canopies, are among the province's most ancient and awe-inspiring natural legacies. These trees, often referred to as the "redwoods of the East," have thrived for centuries, some living over 500 years. Their shade creates cathedral-like forest interiors, a glimpse of the vast, unspoiled woodlands that once covered the region during the early days of European settlement. These forests are more than just scenic, they are a living heritage, stabilizing ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and embodying the rich natural history of Nova Scotia. Their preservation is a testament to the province's ecological and cultural identity.
(Giants of Nova Scotia, 2021)
Southern Nova Scotia serves as a cautionary tale, where milder winters have allowed Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) populations to explode, resulting in rapid tree decline and mass forest devastation. Similar climate conditions in HRM and Hants County make it equally vulnerable to these outbreaks. We have the opportunity to implement proven strategies, such as early detection and targeted treatments, to protect hemlocks and avoid the devastating consequences seen elsewhere. For other counties like Lunenburg, Queens, Kings, Annapolis, Shelburne, and Digby, it’s not too late—trees still above the critical threshold can be treated and saved, preserving both the forests and the ecological and infrastructure benefits they provide.
"We would go back and act sooner. The small cost of treatment pales in comparison to the loss of beauty and function these trees bring to our lives”
“Not only does this devastate our view, but it also shatters the homes of species that depend on hemlocks. Birds that nest in their branches, cold-water fish shielded by their cooling shade, and mammals that find cover all face losses as the hemlocks disappear.”
"If we could go back, we’d treat the hemlocks the moment HWA was detected. Now, when I take the boat out, the view isn’t the same—what used to be mighty hemlocks lining the shore is now a row of lifeless, gray skeletons. It’s heartbreaking, not just for us, but for the birds, fish, and wildlife that depended on those trees. Our property doesn’t feel like it used to, and we’ve seen its value drop along with the beauty we took for granted."
Your hemlocks do more than beautify your yard – they’re your property’s natural protectors. These remarkable trees stabilize soil and prevent erosion, safeguarding steep banks, shorelines, and streams near your home. They act as natural barriers, moderating water flow during storms and reducing the risk of flooding – critical as Nova Scotia faces increasingly severe weather.
When hemlocks decline, the impacts ripple across your property. Eroding soil and degraded water quality can harm nearby habitats and lead to costly repairs to driveways, culverts, and retaining walls. Dead or dying trees also pose a wildfire risk and threaten structures as they fall.
A study in New Jersey found that untreated hemlock decline caused property value losses of up to $2.2 million, impacting not just homes with hemlocks but also neighbouring properties. Protecting your hemlocks is crucial to preserving your property’s value and avoiding significant financial losses. Act now to safeguard your investment.
Treating your hemlocks now ensures they remain a vital part of your landscape, providing shade, cooling, and a buffer against extreme weather, while avoiding expensive fixes down the road. Protect your investment, your environment, and your peace of mind.
"When HWA is found nearby, it’s already time to treat your hemlocks to ensure their sustained health. Pre-emptive treatments are best, especially when mortality happens so rapidly in Nova Scotia’s mild climate.
Folks tend to wait too late to begin treatments, distracted by searching for tiny HWA egg sacs instead of looking at the trees themselves. The trees change quickly but in subtle ways, begin to drop needles with twigs and branch tips showing areas of bare twig. Time to go! With climate warming, it’s never been more important to care for our trees."
(Medway Community Forest Co-Op, 2024)
Xytect 2F is the most practical and effective treatment for addressing HWA. This formulation of imidacloprid is both affordable and long-lasting, providing up to 7 years of protection with a single application. Acting quickly ensures that there is enough time for the treatment to be absorbed into the tree’s system before infestations worsen, making it the ideal option for widespread application.
In areas within 7 meters of water, such as lakeshores or streams, IMA-jet is the preferred choice. This tree-injection method ensures that no chemicals enter the surrounding soil or water, protecting sensitive aquatic habitats. While slightly more labor-intensive, IMA-jet offers rapid uptake and effective protection for high-risk or water-adjacent trees.
By combining these approaches, HRM residents can safeguard their hemlocks efficiently and responsibly. Bulk purchasing and the deployment of strike teams will further enhance the effectiveness of these treatments, allowing for large-scale protection efforts to be conducted in a cost-effective and timely manner.
While individuals can purchase equipment and treatments for HWA management, hiring a professional company offers several key advantages. Professionals bring expertise, specialized equipment, and precise application methods that ensure treatments are effective and environmentally safe. Companies can also leverage bulk purchasing and efficient resource allocation, making professional services more affordable for communities than individual efforts.
That said, community involvement is vital. Participating in volunteer treatment events strengthens collective efforts to combat HWA. Combining professional expertise with community action creates a powerful and inclusive strategy to preserve our forests.
Treatments like Xytect 2F are most effective when applied early, before significant canopy thinning or tree decline occurs. Once a tree’s canopy has thinned beyond a critical threshold these treatments are no longer viable. Acting now ensures that the treatments have time to be absorbed, providing long-term protection before infestations escalate.
A common concern when addressing infestations like the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is the use of pesticides. Rest assured, the treatments recommended—Xytect 2F and IMA-jet—are highly targeted and part of a broader, environmentally responsible Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy.
IPM is a science-based approach that combines multiple methods to manage pests effectively while minimizing environmental impact. Chemical treatments are just one piece of this comprehensive strategy, acting as a critical first step to stabilize hemlock populations. By reducing HWA numbers quickly and efficiently, these treatments allow time for biological control to be implemented.
Both Xytect 2F and IMA-jet are systemic insecticides, meaning they are absorbed into the tree’s vascular system and target only pests feeding on the tree. This precision delivery minimizes the risk of chemical exposure to non-target species, including pollinators, birds, and aquatic organisms. Research has shown that these treatments do not leach into soil or water when applied correctly, making them safe for use in sensitive environments, such as areas near streams or lakes.
Managing the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) requires a multi-faceted strategy known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach combines multiple methods to reduce pest populations, enhance tree resilience, and minimize environmental impacts. Key components of an IPM strategy for HWA include:
By combining these methods, IPM offers the most sustainable and effective approach to managing HWA infestations.
Imagine looking out over a lakeshore or canopy once framed by hemlocks only to see rows of dead, gray trees. This is the reality we face without action. Protecting your trees now is a small investment compared to the cost of losing them—not just in terms of beauty but also the vital role they play in stabilizing soil, buffering stormwater, and providing habitats for countless species.
Every hemlock tree saved today is an investment in the future of Nova Scotia’s landscapes, ecosystems, and heritage. By acting now, you’re not only protecting your property but also contributing to the fight against one of the most significant ecological threats of our time. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make a difference—the time to act is now.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your hemlocks. Together, we can preserve the beauty, function, and legacy of these iconic trees for generations to come.
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