Public Works'  Tree Warden, Jeff Tarling, has provided an updated report on local trees and invasive insect threats.  Trees along our roadways, public lands and town forests are important environmental assets for Cape Elizabeth.  The following information is shared to keep community trees and forests healthy.

Summary for Cape Elizabeth:

• Winter Moth activity seems light this year, only two reports provided to the Town.
• Hemlock Wooly Adelgid continues to affect Hemlock trees in all areas.  
• Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Cape Elizabeth and is expected to further impact and decline Ash trees area wide.  
• We encourage the public to report any sightings to the Town to assist in ongoing monitoring. Please send information to tree.warden@capeelizabeth.org.

Active Tree and Forest Alerts for Cape Elizabeth:

Winter Moth - The Town of Cape Elizabeth and its residents have waged a multi-year battle against Winter Moth.  November reports in Cape Elizabeth have been sporadic and light.  Tree banding, treatments and bio-controls hopefully reduced this pest as it has in other outbreak areas of Cape Cod and Nova Scotia.   For more information see web Maine Forest Service web link:

Winter Moth: Forest Health & Monitoring: Maine Forest Service: Maine DACF

Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) – Our native Eastern Hemlock is under serious threat both in residential neighborhood landscape setting and our town woodlands.  Recommendations include inspecting Hemlock trees for white cottony adelgids under the needles, this pest can be treated by commercial arboriculture firms and biocontrol options are available with advanced notice.  

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Overview: Forest Health & Monitoring: Maine Forest Service: Maine DACF

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – Emerald Ash Borer is another serious invasive insect threat that only affects Ash trees.  EAB has been found in Cape Elizabeth in 2023.  Best to consider preventative treatments to healthy heritage size trees or those important to home landscapes soon.  As with HWA, this pest can be treated by commercial arborists, though the long-term success is unknown.    Review these helpful EAB web links from the Maine Forest Service:

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Updates : Forest Health & Monitoring : Maine Forest Service : Maine Agriculture, Conservation, Forestry (DACF)

Ash Treatment Guide (maine.gov)

List of Licensed Pesticide Applicators Willing to Treat Browntail Moth and/or Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Browntail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea): Forest Health & Monitoring: Bureau of Forestry: Maine DACF

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) - Beech Leaf Disease has been found in mid-coast Maine and greater Portland.  At this time, it is on the watch here in Cape Elizabeth.  It affects both native American Beech and non-native European Beech trees.  See info link and report sightings:

Beech Leaf Disease : Forest Health & Monitoring: Bureau of Forestry: Maine DACF

MAINE FOREST SERVICE - FOREST HEALTH & MONITORING INFORMATION: