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Utilization options for decadent eastern hemlock timber

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) is a non-native pest that is decimating the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis L.) population in the forests of the eastern United States. Nearly one third of the area inhabited by native hemlocks in the Central Hardwoods region is infested with the insect. Once a tree is heavily infected, it is estimated that tree death usually occurs within three years. The majority of the current research effort focuses on preventing the spread of the adelgid. Unfortunately, the damage is already done in many areas and little research has been done on examining the utilization potential for the dead hemlocks. The purpose of this study is to examine the current markets for hemlock, determine at what stages of decline hemlock wood can still be used for various products, determine product yield lost when processing dead material, and to make management and harvesting recommendations based on the findings.

Citation

Winn, Matthew F.; Araman, Philip A. 2007. Utilization options for decadent eastern hemlock timber. Proceedings, Dean''s Forum on the Environment - Virginia Tech. 173.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/29360