Hemlock Tree Care Tips For Growing Hemlock Trees

They need acidic soils that stay moist, but not wet, and frequent waterings. Like willows, hemlocks are riverbank trees, so if your site is elevated and dry, you may need to add a thick ring of mulch over your tree's root zone and consider installing a drip irrigation system to keep your tree looking its best.

Where do hemlock trees grow best?

These conifers grow best in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 7; some species thrive in the coastal and mountain areas of the western United States, while others do best in the eastern U.S. Most hemlock species reach at least 30 feet when mature, although some dwarf varieties do ...

Are hemlocks fast growing?

This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

How do you fertilize hemlocks?

Fertilizer. This tree needs a well-balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) about once a year. Do not add fertilizer to your hemlock during transplanting because it can burn the root system and it could lead to the death of the tree. Wait a few months until the tree is established.

When should you trim hemlocks?

Hemlocks should be trimmed in late winter or at least before new growth begins in spring.

Do hemlock trees have deep roots?

Though the various species of hemlock have a number of different root system types, the two most common are taproot and fibrous roots. ... The taproot digs deep and is thicker than the small roots surrounding it. These small roots branch laterally in the soil. Small roots also grow directly from the taproot.

Does hemlock grow in shade?

Canadian hemlock requires moist, acidic soil with good drainage. It can be grown in full sun or shade. It grows in rocky areas (not limestone) where a great deal of organic matter is present. This tree tolerates shade well and is suitable for dense shade if unsheared plants are used.

What is the lifespan of a hemlock tree?

Tsuga canadensis (L. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), also called Canada hemlock or hemlock spruce, is a slow-growing long-lived tree which unlike many trees grows well in shade. It may take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and may live for 800 years or more.

Can hemlock kill you?

The poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) is a dangerous plant that grows throughout the United States. ... All parts of this plant contain toxic alkaloids that can be fatal even in small amounts. The alkaloids can affect nerve impulse transmission to your muscles, eventually killing you through respiratory failure.

Is hemlock tree poisonous to dogs?

Hemlock can refer either to Conium maculatum, commonly known as poison hemlock, or to the four plants in the Cicuta family, known collectively as water hemlock. The toxins in both plants are dangerous to many animals, including canines.

Is Epsom salt good for evergreens?

According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt increases the production of chlorophyll and helps plants grow bushier. ... Use 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for evergreen shrubs, and 2 tablespoons for evergreen trees.

What do you know about hemlock tree?

Hemlock is evergreen tree that belongs to the pine family. ... Hemlock usually grows in shade, in areas that provide enough rain and snow during the year. Hemlock is cultivated as ornamental plant, to prevent erosion and because of its wood that has application in numerous industries.

Do hemlocks need sun?

They grow well in partial shade and will tolerate full shade. Hemlocks also grow well in full sun if their soil requirements are met.

How do you shape a hemlock tree?

Select the branches before you start trimming so that you do not over prune the tree accidentally. Then make your pruning cuts just above the needle whorls. Hemlock trees will grow new branches from the needle whorls, and pruning just above them will ensure that the new branches come in properly.

Can you prune a hemlock tree?

Hemlock grows as a tall tree, but can be pruned or sheared as a hedge. Thank you for your question concerning the Tsuga (hemlock). It is best not to prune after August. To maintain size, prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Can hemlock trees be topped?

Hemlocks can sometimes be maintained as a clipped hedge, so they may survive for quite some time if trimmed regularly to maintain a steady height.

What are hemlock trees good for?

Although moderately low in bending strength and shock resistance, eastern hemlock can be used in construction for light framing, sheathing, subflooring, and roofing. It is much used in the manufacture of boxes, crates, pallets, and as paper pulp for newsprint and other low- quality papers.

Do hemlock trees lose their needles?

Although referred to by many people as “evergreens,” trees with needle-shaped leaves are better identified as a “conifers.” This conifer classification includes tree families such as pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, cedar and others. ... This family of trees is fully deciduous, meaning they lose all of their needles every fall.

Is Hemlock a tree or bush?

Hemlock, (genus Tsuga), any of about 14 species of coniferous evergreen trees comprising the genus Tsuga of the family Pinaceae, native to North America and central and eastern Asia. Some are important timber trees, and many are popular ornamentals.

How far apart do you plant hemlock trees?

Space plants 30 to 40 feet apart; closer for dwarf forms or if grown in a hedge. Keep trees well watered.

Are hemlock trees poisonous?

Toxicity. Poison-hemlock is acutely toxic to people and animals, with symptoms appearing 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion. All parts of the plant are poisonous and even the dead canes remain toxic for up to three years. The amount of toxin varies and tends to be higher in sunny areas.

How tall does Hemlock grow?

This species can grow to 45m tall.