Tree Problems in
the Lakes Region of NH
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
In the Lakes Region: HWA is now well-established throughout the Lakes Region including Meredith, Moultonborough, Center Harbor, Holderness, and surrounding communities. Shoreline hemlocks on Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake are at high risk.
Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is an invasive insect from Asia that feeds on the sap of eastern hemlock trees. It appears as tiny white woolly masses at the base of hemlock needles — most visible in late winter and early spring. Left untreated, HWA slowly starves the tree by interrupting photosynthesis and sap flow. Trees may die within 4 to 10 years if untreated.
Signs to Watch For
Early treatment is dramatically more effective than waiting until visible decline. Tree Solutions provides soil injection, trunk injection, and basal bark application — trunk injection for shoreline properties near NH protected waters. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Emerald Ash Borer
In the Lakes Region: EAB is confirmed statewide in New Hampshire and actively moving through the Lakes Region. All ash trees in the region should be considered at risk. The decision to treat or remove should be made proactively — before significant crown dieback occurs.
Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive beetle from Asia that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America since its arrival in the early 2000s. The larvae feed under the bark in S-shaped galleries, cutting off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. All North American ash species are susceptible — white ash, green ash, and black ash.
Signs to Watch For
Preventive treatment before infestation or at very early stages gives the best results. Once significant crown dieback has occurred, treatment options become limited and removal may be the only practical choice. Tree Solutions assesses each ash tree individually and recommends treatment or removal based on health, infestation level, and site context.
Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)
Beech Leaf Disease
In the Lakes Region: BLD has been confirmed and is spreading in New Hampshire including the Lakes Region. Progression is rapid in heavily infected stands. Tree Solutions monitors client properties for early signs and stays current on emerging treatment research.
Beech leaf disease (BLD) is caused by a foliar nematode (Litylenchus crenatae mccannii) that was first identified in Ohio in 2012 and has been spreading rapidly throughout the Northeast. Unlike HWA or EAB, BLD is still relatively new in NH, and both research and treatment options are actively evolving. All beech species — American beech, European beech, and oriental beech — are susceptible.
Signs to Watch For
There is currently no widely approved curative treatment for BLD, but phosphonate-based trunk injections are showing promise in ongoing research trials. Tree Solutions monitors beech trees on client properties and will update recommendations as treatment options become established. Early detection and documentation matters — call us for an assessment.
Needle Cast (Fungal Disease of Conifers)
Needle Cast
In the Lakes Region: Rhizosphaera needle cast is very common on Colorado blue spruce throughout the Lakes Region — it is one of the most frequent calls Tree Solutions receives in spring and early summer. Dothistroma is less common but present on planted pine species. Both are manageable with timely fungicide programs.
Needle cast is a group of fungal diseases that cause conifers to shed their needles prematurely, typically the interior and older needle sets while the current year’s growth remains. The most common in the Lakes Region are Rhizosphaera needle cast on spruce (particularly Colorado blue spruce) and Dothistroma needle blight on pine. Both are promoted by wet spring conditions and can cause significant aesthetic decline and health stress over several seasons.
Signs to Watch For
Needle cast diseases respond well to properly timed fungicide applications — but timing is critical, as applications must coincide with new needle emergence in spring. Two or more consecutive years of treatment are typically needed to see significant improvement. Tree Solutions diagnoses the specific pathogen before recommending a program.
Storm Damage
Storm Damage
In the Lakes Region: The Lakes Region experiences significant ice events and nor’easters, particularly in early spring and late fall. Storm-damaged trees over structures, driveways, and high-use areas require prompt professional assessment. Tree Solutions provides emergency response throughout the region.
Ice storms, heavy snow loads, and high winds are among the most common causes of immediate tree hazards in the Lakes Region. Storm damage ranges from broken branches and split codominant stems to full root failure and toppled trees. Not all storm-damaged trees need removal — many can be stabilized, restored, or safely maintained with professional assessment and crown work.
Signs to Watch For
For immediately hazardous situations — a tree on a structure, a large hanging limb, or storm damage blocking access — call Tree Solutions at (603) 279-9950. For non-emergency storm damage, a post-storm assessment determines whether crown cleaning, restoration pruning, or removal is the right response.
Drought Stress
Drought Stress
In the Lakes Region: Drought stress is increasingly common in the Lakes Region as summer temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift. Lakefront properties with compacted or sandy shoreline soils are particularly vulnerable. Newly planted trees and trees in urban and suburban settings are highest-risk.
Drought stress occurs when trees and shrubs cannot access adequate soil moisture during critical growth periods — typically late spring through summer. In the Lakes Region, drought is compounded by summer heat, compacted soils from foot and vehicle traffic, impervious surfaces that redirect water away from root zones, and fill soil that was placed over roots during landscaping. Stressed trees are significantly more susceptible to secondary insect and disease problems.
Signs to Watch For
Deep, infrequent watering during dry periods is the most important immediate response. Mulching the root zone retains moisture and moderates soil temperature. For trees in compacted soil, Air Spade decompaction allows water and air to reach root zones that have been effectively sealed. Tree Solutions assesses drought-stressed trees and recommends the right combination of immediate relief and long-term recovery support.
Tree Health Resources
When to Call.
Where to Learn More.
If you are seeing something unusual on your trees or shrubs and are not sure what it is, the best first step is a professional evaluation. Many tree health problems look similar from the ground — accurate diagnosis requires someone who can examine the tree up close, check soil conditions, review site history, and distinguish between primary causes and secondary symptoms.
Request a Tree Evaluation
ISA Certified Arborist Mark Liebert evaluates trees and shrubs in person, explains what he’s seeing, and recommends a specific course of action — before any work begins.
Hemlock Treatment
Hemlock woolly adelgid treatment programs for shoreline and residential hemlocks throughout the Lakes Region — Direct Stem Injection, soil injection, basal bark.
Plant Health Care
Proactive PHC programs for trees, shrubs, and ornamentals — monitoring, fertilization, Air Spade root zone care, and IPM-based preventive treatment.
Integrated Pest Management
Environmentally conscious approach to pest and disease control — monitor first, treat when warranted, choose the most targeted effective method.
Tree Pruning
Crown cleaning, restoration, raising, and reduction to ISA standards. Proper pruning improves health and reduces risk.
Service Areas
Tree Solutions serves Alton, Meredith, Moultonborough, Center Harbor, and communities throughout the Lakes Region of NH.