Important! HWA Infestation: Next Steps for Craneridge

Posted byGwen AlegrePosted inWoodlandsTags:, , ,

There are seven confirmed Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) infestations in various areas in Craneridge. We believe that the infestation is widespread. However, several HWA experts (DEC, NY Hemlock Initiative, WNY PRISM) agree that it’s the “early days” for HWA attacking our Eastern Hemlock trees.

THIS IS SERIOUS!
Without treatment, all infected Hemlocks will die within the next several years. Eastern Hemlocks are the primary evergreen tree in Craneridge. Losing these “keystone species” will dramatically impact the look and value of our unique neighborhood as well as severely impact the many wildlife who rely on our dominant tree.

NEXT STEPS FOR CRANERIDGE

  • With the support of the Craneridge Board of Directors, we plan to treat as many Hemlocks as we possibly can over the next several years. We will not be able to save all our Hemlocks.
  • The Craneridge Association will pay for and oversee the treatment of HWA on both common and homeowner property.
  • Based on the legal opinion of our HOA attorney, the Craneridge Bylaws and Covenants support our planned actions to treat, when necessary, all lands within Craneridge. HWA spreads easily (birds, wind, deer, and people), so we are committed to treating our trees no matter the location. Trees that are not treated will continue the spread of HWA and will eventually die.
  • We will make an effort to contact homeowners who live on or near infested areas BEFORE treatment.
  • In 2024, we plan to treat areas where there is a confirmed infestation. Treatment will start in April.
  • After speaking with several tree care professionals, we have identified a local HWA treatment expert who works closely with the NY Hemlock Initiative and WNY PRISM. His fees are quite reasonable.
  • We’ll be using the insecticide Imidacloprid, which is the same chemical used in dog flea and tick treatments. The insecticide will only be applied to the base of Hemlock trunks, or the soil directly above tree roots. This treatment will last 5-7 years.
    • For small trees, we may use a horticultural oil, which kills HWA but needs to be applied yearly.
    • Because there are limits to how much Imidacloprid can be applied to an acre in any given year, in some cases, we may also use AceCaps (acephate), which is a common insecticide used to treat trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer. AceCaps are inserted directly into the base of a tree.
  • We’ll continue to monitor in the winter months when HWA is inactive and most visible (fuzzy balls) and mark infested trees for treatment in the spring.
  • Currently, bio-controls (bugs being raised especially to eat HWA) are not a viable option. However, Sprague Brook County Park may become a future test site. The Woodlands & Habitat Committee remains connected to the NY Hemlock Initiative, which manages NYS bio-control testing.

QUESTIONS?
Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Gwen Alegre at gwenalegre@gmail.com or Sam Lewandowski at slewandowski92@gmail.com.