I have two large hemlocks on my property in southern connecticut. They look sickly. Is there anything I can do to help them?

Reply to post by Rob Wachtell, on May 21, 2001 at 12:45:44:

Get a qualified local arborist to examine them and make a diagnosis. You may have insect or other pest problems, or there may be other conditions leading to their poor condition. An arborist can give you a recommendation for course of action, whether it is pest control, cultural support, or a combination.
If you are a die-hard do-it-yourselfer, you can begin to search out diseases and damaging agents for your particular trees. You can also study the general conditions and treatments best suited to the species, and try to match them. Caution in the area of pesticide applications. It is better to let a professional handle that.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on May 21, 2001 at 12:45:44:

Hemlocks are prone to three insects that i have noticed in this area. Hemlock rust mite, Hemlock wooley adelgid and 2 types of scale. Get a certified arborist to look at them, I have had excellent results contolling insects. I use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for the adelgids and scale and avid for the mites. you can also use merit as a soil injection if they are to tall to spray. Hope this helps . John