During sever winters in New England, hemlocks provide crucial shelter for many wildlife species. The hemlock forest also provides nesting sites and foraging habitat for neotropical migratory bird species. There are several threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna that require hemlock forests to survive. Among the most shade tolerant trees in the world, hemlock reproduction can survive under a dense overstory. The eastern hemlock is capable of reaching 900 years and is a component of many old growth communities.
Eastern hemlock is economically important in several areas of the eastern United States.
This industry is noticing the impacts of HWA in reduced sales of native hemlock for ornamental use. The impact of HWA on the wood products industry of the Northeastern U.S. could be substantial. The region annually harvests 4.16 million cubic meters of hemlock. The environmental and economic impacts of this insect pest are significant and will become more severe as the infestation expands.