Why Our Majestic Hemlocks Are Disappearing, and Why It Matters

Lumberjacks Tree Service

Why Our Majestic Hemlocks Are Disappearing, and Why It Matters

Towering, graceful, and vital to our forest ecosystems, Hemlocks are among the most beloved evergreens in North America. Yet across the eastern U.S., these giants are dying at alarming rates — and the cause is both visible and invisible.

 

What’s Killing the Hemlocks?

The primary culprit is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, or HWA — a tiny, sap-sucking insect no larger than a pinhead. It attaches to the undersides of hemlock branches, drawing nutrients and halting the tree’s ability to transport water. Over time, the tree weakens: needles yellow and drop, branches thin, and death can follow within just a few years.

 

Why This Should Matter to You

A dying hemlock doesn’t just affect the forest — it impacts your property, your water, and the wider environment. When hemlocks weaken or die, they can become hazardous, driving up removal costs and leaving unsightly gaps in your landscape. On hillsides and near streams, their deep roots play a crucial role in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and maintaining clean, cool water flow. Without them, runoff increases, stream temperatures rise, and local ecosystems suffer. As cornerstone species, hemlocks support countless shade-loving plants and wildlife, and when they disappear, so does much of the unique biodiversity that defines our forests.

 

What You Can Do Right Now

  • Inspect annually for white, cottony clusters at the base of needles — a telltale sign of HWA.
  • Treat proactively: systemic insecticides can protect healthy hemlocks for years when applied correctly.
  • Consult an arborist experienced in pest management and slope or streamside care.
  • Stay informed about regional alerts and pest spread updates.

 

These trees are more than just scenery — they’re the backbone of our forests. If you suspect a hemlock on your property is at risk, don’t wait until it’s too late.

 

Protect Your Hemlocks with Lumberjacks Tree Service

Lumberjacks Tree Service has years of experience managing Hemlocks throughout southeast Tennessee, from pest treatments to tree health assessments and safe removals when needed. Our certified arborists understand how to protect your trees, your property, and the local ecosystem.

 

👉 Contact Lumberjacks Tree Service today to schedule a professional hemlock inspection and help preserve the natural beauty of your landscape for generations to come.


5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

Towering, graceful, and vital to our forest ecosystems, Hemlocks are among the most beloved evergreens in North America. Yet across the eastern U.S., these giants are dying at alarming rates — and the cause is both visible and invisible.   What’s Killing the Hemlocks? The primary culprit is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, or HWA — […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

How a Broke Teen with a Beat-Up Truck Built Chattanooga’s Most Trusted Tree Service Crew Meet Tyler Schievelhud, Owner of Lumberjacks Tree Service When you think of a tree service in Chattanooga, you might picture roaring chainsaws and towering pines. What you probably don’t picture is a 17-year-old high school dropout in a gold Mazda […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

We hear it all the time: “Why is tree work so expensive?” Maybe you just need one tree taken down and were surprised when the quote seemed to rival the cost of a vacation—or a small electronics haul. It’s a fair question, and we’re here to shed some light on where that cost really comes […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

Tree pruning is an essential part of tree care that enhances health, safety, and aesthetics. But not all pruning is the same—doing it correctly, at the right time, and following industry standards is crucial to maintaining tree vitality. Tree Pruning to ANSI Standards ensures that the process follows best practices for tree health and safety, […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Dead Leaves in Winter? Have you ever noticed certain trees hanging onto their brown, dead leaves long after other trees have shed theirs? This unusual phenomenon is called marcescence, and it’s when trees hold onto their dead leaves through the winter instead of dropping them in the fall. It’s […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

When most people think about tree care, their minds naturally gravitate toward warmer months when trees are lush and full of life. However, winter is actually one of the best times of the year for tree services. Whether it’s pruning, removing dead or hazardous trees, or clearing land, winter offers several unique advantages for both […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

When it comes to tree care, two terms often arise: Free estimates and tree risk assessments. While they may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes and involve different processes. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about the health and safety of your trees.   What is a Free Estimate? A free estimate […]

5 Reasons to Stop Topping Your Trees

Trees are a crucial part of our landscape, providing beauty, shade, and environmental benefits. However, even the healthiest trees can fail if certain conditions arise. Understanding why trees fail can help you take preventative measures to ensure their longevity. Here are some of the most common causes of tree failure and how you can prevent […]

WE ARE LICENSED AND INSURED | GIVE US A CALL TODAY

  (423) 760-TREE (8733)

Share by: