One of the biggest tree deaths in US history is occurring right now in the mesic forests of north Georgia. The majestic Eastern Hemlock (the Canadian Hemlock ,Tsuga canadensis, as well as the Carolina Hemlock Tsuga caroliniana) are succumbing to an invasive sap-sucking insect from east Asia.

The invader is called the Woolly Adelgid (Adelgis tsugae). This tiny true bug resembles an aphid but is classified as a true bug and is capable of inflicting major damage to one of the dominant trees of high elevation and northern forests of eastern United States. The damage caused by this invasive species might rival the tree deaths caused by two past tree diseases: Dutch Elm disease and Chestnut blight. For more information please research or search information on invasive or non-native invasive species or check the National Park Service website at the following address: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/hemlock-woolly-adelgid.htm