How long does it take a hemlock tree to grow?
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), also called Canada hemlock or hemlock spruce, is a slow-growing long-lived tree which unlike many conifers grows well in shade. Hemlock may take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and may live for 800 years or more.
What are the germination requirements for eastern hemlock?
The temperature requirements for germination of eastern hemlock are more exacting than for other species in the genus. A constant temperature of 15° C (59° F) is about optimum for germination. High germination percentages usually occur at temperatures ranging from 7° to 18° C (44° to 64° F), depending on the seed source (29,35).
What does an eastern hemlock tree look like?
Description of eastern hemlock tree: The eastern hemlock is a gracefully pyramidal evergreen conifer with horizontal to drooping branches. The furrowed bark is brown and the needles are short and soft, not pointed like relatively similar firs and spruce.
Where do hemlocks grow in the US?
The eastern hemlock tree is native to northeastern North America, where it starts its life as an understory tree. Eventually, it pushes its way up through the broad-leaf trees that surround it until it reaches fall sun.
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How quickly do hemlocks grow?
This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
How tall does eastern hemlock get?
160 feetHemlocks commonly reach two to four feet in diameter and 100 feet in height. One of the largest hemlocks is eighty-four inches (diameter, not circumference) and the maximum recorded height is 160 feet.Feb 3, 2020
Where do hemlock trees grow best?
The trees prefer partial shade, especially in areas with hot summers, but do require daily direct sun. If your region gets strong winds, pick a planting spot with wind protection. To offer the best Canadian hemlock care, plant your tree in well-drained loam or sand. The soil should be acidic rather than alkaline.Oct 18, 2020
Is hemlock easy to grow?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 7, hemlock is often grown as an ornamental conifer in temperate gardens. Hemlock can be easily propagated, either by seed or by cutting.
Are hemlock trees good for landscaping?
Hemlock trees (Tsuga) are the Ferraris of the evergreen world — these graceful, drooping trees and shrubs are gorgeous additions to the landscape but require very exacting conditions to do well.Apr 3, 2021
What is the lifespan of a hemlock?
800 yearsEastern 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.
How do you grow Eastern hemlock?
Plant in spring or summer on well-drained, moist soils. Avoid hot, dry windy locations and areas where there is air pollution and salt spray, such as close to a road. Space plants 30 to 40 feet apart; closer for dwarf forms or if grown in a hedge. Keep trees well watered.
How far apart do you plant hemlock trees?
Plant trees at 4 feet apart or in a hedge Planting – The best time to plant hemlocks is in early spring. Hemlocks can be sensitive if planted in the fall and extra care should be taken to water, fertilize, and protect from winter salt spray. Plant with the root flare 2 to 4 inches above the soil.
Do deer eat hemlock trees?
Deer will also eat hemlock foliage and twigs as high up as they can reach. Porcupines prefer hemlock and will eat the bark and chew off large twigs. If you see scattered hemlock twigs or tips in the snow, look up.Feb 11, 2014
Can you grow a hemlock tree from a branch?
Privet, forsythia, wisteria, spirea, juniper, and hemlock are just a few that can be started from hardwood cuttings. Take a 4 to 8 inch cutting from the previous season's growth during the dormant season. Each cutting should have at least two nodes, the location where leaves or needles grow.
What is the white stuff on my hemlock?
Each little white ball of wool, called an egg sac, is actually wax secreted by an adelgid. The adelgids feed at the base of the needles, where the needles attach to the woody portion of the shoot.Jun 22, 2017
How much water do hemlock trees need?
Provide a transplanted tree with 1-inch of water weekly until established. A soaker hose allows water to trickle down to the root zone and prevent the root ball from drying out. Thereafter, water during periods of drought to reduce plant stress. Dig a hole two to three times the size of the Hemlock root ball.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, Sun, and Soil Requirements
Canadian hemlock trees are best grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7. They are indigenous to eastern North America.These trees require a soil th...
Socrates, Poison Hemlock, and Canadian Hemlock Trees: Any Connection?
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Warnings About Growing This Tree
Besides being prone to uprooting in wind storms, Canadian hemlock trees have two major drawbacks in the form of two pests that attack them: 1. Wool...
Cultivars of Canadian Hemlock Trees For Landscape Use
There are many cultivars of Canadian hemlock trees that have been developed for landscape use. Such cultivars have been bred specifically to functi...
How to grow hemlock from cuttings?
Place the pot in a partially shaded spot in a greenhouse or inside the house near a window for the winter. Keep the soil moist but not soaking. Water the soil when the surface is dry to the touch. Transplant the cutting in the late spring to a planting bed suitable for sowing hemlock seeds.
How tall is a Canadian hemlock tree?
Moderately slow-growing and long-living, Canadian hemlock trees in the wild can reach 70 feet tall or higher with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. These are fragrant plants and crushing the needles releases their aroma.
What is the poisonous bark of hemlock?
Conium maculatum and Circuta maculata are the poisonous hemlocks. The bark of the Canadian hemlock is one of the primary tree sources of tannins traditionally used for tanning hides for clothing during the 19th and early 20th centuries. 1. Along with its better-known relative, the eastern white pine, these trees are among ...
How to root a tree from a cutting?
Make a clean cut (no tearing or breaking the branch). To encourage successful rooting, dip the base of the cutting entirely in a rooting hormone powder used for woody shrubs and trees. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-drained potting mix. Push the base of the cutting into the soil about 2 inches deep.
Do Canadian hemlocks like full sun?
Unlike many large trees, Canadian hemlocks grow best in full to part shade and will tolerate full sun in cold northern climates. Their sunlight requirements provide quite a bit of flexibility if you live in a cold climate ( USDA Zones 3 to 5).
Can deer damage Canadian hemlock?
Treatment with pesticides is available but controlling an infestation is extremely difficult. Canadian Hemlocks can also be damaged by deer; perhaps seek an alternative tree or shrub with better deer resistance if your area has a heavy deer population that frequently damages your trees and shrubs. Article Sources.
Do hemlock trees need water?
This tree does not tolerate standing wet soil nor prolonged periods of drought.
How long does it take for a hemlock tree to grow?
It may take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and may live for 800 years or more.
Where does hemlock grow?
Eastern hemlock grows from sea level to about 730 m (2,400 ft) in elevation in the northeastern and northern portions of the range.
How hot does hemlock get in January?
Eastern hemlock is generally restricted to regions with cool humid climates. In the northern areas January temperatures average about -12° C (10° F) and July temperatures about 16° C (60° F). Precipitation ranges from less than 740 mm. (29 in) in heavy snowfall areas of the north to more than 1270 mm (50 in) per year, about one-half occurring as summer precipitation. In the more productive areas near the Atlantic coast and southern Appalachians, January temperatures range as high as 6° C (42° F) and annual precipitation exceeds 1520 mm (60 in). The frost-free period is less than 80 days at the northern limits and nearly 200 days in the eastern and southern portions of the range.
Why is hemlock important?
Hemlock bark was once the source of tannin for the leather industry; now the wood is important to the pulp and paper industry. Many species of wildlife benefit from the excellent habitat that a dense stand of hemlock provides. This tree also ranks high for ornamental planting.
What type of soil is found under eastern hemlock?
In Canada and the northeastern States the soils under eastern hemlock tend to be shallow loams and silt loams, often over granite, gneiss, and slate bedrock (Typic, Lithic, and Entic Haplorthods of the order Spodosols).
What is the texture of eastern white pine?
On sites in which eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a major component, the soils tend to be of a sandy texture, well mixed with humus, moist, and well drained (Alfic Haplorthods).
Where is the northern hemlock?
The northern limit of eastern hemlock extends from outliers in northeastern Minnesota and the western one-third of Wisconsin eastward through northern Michigan, south-central Ontario, extreme southern Quebec, through New Brunswick, and all of Nova Scotia.
What zone do hemlocks grow in?
Although there are many hemlocks to choose between for gardeners in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 7, many cultivars only do well in a smaller part of that range, so read the nursery tag carefully before bringing your hemlock home.
What is a hemlock tree?
Image by JamesPearsell. Hemlock trees ( Tsuga) are the Ferraris of the evergreen world — these graceful, drooping trees and shrubs are gorgeous additions to the landscape but require very exacting conditions to do well. Like other beautiful and delicate things, if you can get hemlocks to thrive in your landscape, ...
When is the best time to treat hemlock?
Regular inspections of your hemlock will help prevent serious damage from this pest, provided you check for them at least once a year. October is the best time to treat these pests, using either insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Can hemlocks topple?
The shallow roots of the hemlock can allow it to topple easily; if high winds are a frequent problem, a stabilizing tree stake should be considered while your hemlock is young. Although the hemlock isn’t bothered by pests or diseases, as a rule, they do have one pest that seems to find them wherever they go.
Do hemlocks need water?
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.
Do hemlock trees grow in shade?
Unlike many other large landscape trees, hemlocks have evolved while growing in the shade of other trees, so you’ll need to choose a place that’s protected, especially against winter winds and drying summer heat.
Can hemlocks grow in your yard?
Like other beautiful and delicate things, if you can get hemlocks to thrive in your landscape, you’ll be the envy of your neighbors; but a hemlock in poor health will only make your home look sad and worn out. If you’re considering planting a hemlock in your yard as a specimen tree or for a unique hedge, read on to learn more about hemlock tree ...
