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July 30, 2010

Hemlock tree pest spreading in Maine forests

AUGUSTA — Maine forestry officials say an invasive pest that preys on hemlock trees is continuing to spread in the state.

click image to enlarge

A Hemlock branch infested with Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.

USDA Forest Service Photo

Allison Kanoti of the Maine Forest Service says the warm winter may have helped the spread of the hemlock wooly adelgid, a tiny beetle brought to North America from Japan.

Kanoti tells the Bangor Daily News the adelgids have been found since May in 13 towns in Cumberland, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties. She says she expects the list to grow.

Kanoti says adelgids can cause hemlock declines that are "quite shocking."

The adelgids cause their host trees to lose needles and also cause the crowns to thin.

Forestry officials fear the adelgids could devastate Maine's hemlock trees.

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