We want to thank the Butler City Shade Tree Commission for hosting the demonstration April 6 on how to fight the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) invasion. They are those “fluffy white dots” all over the hemlock branches. The eastern hemlock is our state tree and is found abundantly throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

It was nice to see so many turn out for this, even with the not so great weather.

These insects are a major threat to our eastern hemlocks. It is a problem that we have been treating for customers for the past eight years, with good results. If these insects are left untreated, they will kill your hemlocks.

It is important we make every effort in managing/controlling these insects, because as they are spread by birds and mammals and can be airborne, they could eventually eradicate our hemlocks.

Again, a big thank-you to the Butler City Shade Tree Commission for bringing more awareness of these pests and threats to the hemlock trees in our communities. We look forward to more demonstrations/talks this organization may offer.

David Hill, Hill’s Tree Care & Nursery, Sarver