Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Tree Growth Study

We initiated a study to assess the impacts of the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid on Eastern Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, communities at Coweeta. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae, was first found at Coweeta in 2003. We established 12 20 x 20 m plots: 4 were control hardwood stands, 4 were untreated hemlock communities, and 4 were hemlock that were girdled so we could assess the immediate impact that hemlock death would have on nutrient cycling, the herbaceous community, and other ecosystem functions. This data set is based on yearly dendrometer band and DBH readings to assess tree growth and to track the death and in-growth of individual trees. The study has been continued through 2019.