If you dont have the space for this large evergreen native tree, plant a dwarf cultivar.
With their soft petite needles and cascading branches, hemlock is one of the most graceful evergreen trees.
These native trees are favorite nesting spots for wildlife, making hemlock a great plant for habitat-friendly backyards.
The shade-tolerant hemlock is especially useful for planting in the shadow of taller trees.
Its graceful branches will mask views in and out of your yard 12 months a year.
Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the tree in the center of the hole and backfill with the original soil.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Continue to water the tree weekly in the absence of rain.
Plant regular-size (non-dwarf varieties) trees 30 feet apart and trees for a hedge 6 feet apart.
Hemlock Care Tips
Hemlock is a low-maintenance tree.
It is slow-growing but long-lived.
It may take 250 years for the tree just to reach maturity.
Light
The light tolerance of hemlocks varies.
Before planting a hemlock,test your soil acidityto find out if you might need to modify it.
Moisture is equally important for healthy growth.
Water the tree regularly during the first two years after planting to help it develop a strong root system.
Cover the root zone with a 2-inch-thick layer of shredded bark mulch to prevent soil-moisture evaporation.
Hemlock trees are sensitive to drought.
Temperature and Humidity
Hemlocks, especially Canadian hemlock, are hardy trees.
Pruning
Hemlock rarely needs pruning.
If necessary to control the growth, shape the tree lightly in late spring.
Damaged or diseased branches should be removed at any time of the year as soon as you notice them.
Affected trees have dry, white wooly masses on the underside of the outermost branch tips.
It is a stately tree that grows up to 75 feet tall with graceful green needles and small cones.
New needles are white and although they darken over time, they retain a hint of white.
It grows 5 feet tall and at least 8 to 10 feet wide.
It grows best in full sun but also tolerates partial shade.
Instead of growing it as a groundcover, it can also be staked to form a cascading mound.
Zone 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
No part of this tree is toxic.
Both perennials develop tall clusters of white flowers thatresemble Queen Annes lace.
There are several ways to distinguish hemlocks from other evergreens such as firs and spruce trees.
One of the easiest is to look at the needles.
Helmock needles are flat and blunt.
The upper side of the needles is smooth and shiny and the underside has two parallel white stripes.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
“How to Treat Hemlock Trees for Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.
“Michigan State University.
North Carolina State University Extension.
