How big do hemlock trees grow in Canada?
Canadian Hemlock Tree Facts. They have a slow to medium growth rate of up to 24 inches a year, maturing to 50 to 70 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Don’t worry about their roots. According to Canadian hemlock tree facts, the roots are not likely to invade pipes or raise sidewalks.
How fast does hemlock spread?
Many are slow-growing and somewhat pendulous. Representative cultivars of Canadian hemlock include: ‘Cole's Prostrate' or ‘Cole' - A slow-growing, creeping form ideal for rock gardens. Plants will hug the ground unless grafted on a short standard. Plants will spread about 3 feet in 10 years.
Does Canadian hemlock need sun or shade?
Culture: Because of its positive response to pruning and because it doesn't lose its lower limbs, the Canadian hemlock is ideal as a sheared or unsheared hedge. This large tree can also be kept short with pruning. Canadian hemlock requires moist, acidic soil with good drainage. It can be grown in full sun or shade.
How long does it take for Canadian hemlock to grow?
250 to 300 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 far apart should you plant Canadian 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.
Will Canadian 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.
Are hemlocks good for privacy?
Canadian Hemlocks are perfect for adding privacy to your yard. They tolerate heavy pruning and can be sheared to the size and shape you desire. Plant about 10 feet apart for a dense hedge. Stagger for a quicker privacy solution.
Do hemlocks have deep roots?
Root System Impact A number of hemlock species with fibrous roots possess shallow root systems. Eastern or Canadian hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis), a common landscaping species, has a shallow but aggressive root system.
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.
How much water does a Canadian hemlock need?
Watering: Water Canadian Hemlocks well so the soil can stay moist at all times. Generally, we recommend watering once or twice weekly for best results. If you're not sure when to water, check the surrounding soil about 3 inches down - if the soil is dry, it's time to water.
What can I plant under a hemlock tree?
A full-grown hemlock tree is very tall, which means that companion plants should do well in shady areas. Hemlocks are also a little aggressive and can kill some plant varieties. For this reason, strong hardy plants like Hostas, Sweet Woodruffs, Lily of the Valley, or Ivory Sedge, among other choices.
How far apart should hemlocks be planted?
Unsheared, the hemlock hedge may become an annoyance. Spring planting is preferred. Nurserymen suggest spacing young trees 12 to 18 inches apart; two feet is satisfactory. In a few years, no difference will be apparent.
Can you keep a Canadian hemlock small?
Canadian hemlocks in the landscape have flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage and graceful, pyramid shapes. Their elegance makes them excellent choices for specimen trees. However, the trees are very tolerant of shearing. This means that you can also keep them short or use them for privacy screens.
Should hemlocks be trimmed?
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.
Are hemlocks fast growing?
Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
How far apart should hemlocks be planted?
Unsheared, the hemlock hedge may become an annoyance. Spring planting is preferred. Nurserymen suggest spacing young trees 12 to 18 inches apart; two feet is satisfactory. In a few years, no difference will be apparent.
How far apart should hemlock trees be planted?
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.
Will Canadian hemlock grow in clay soil?
While hemlocks will often tolerate a heavy clay soil, they thrive in something closer to a loam or even a sandy-loam soil.
How do I make my Canadian hemlock smaller?
These secondary trunks can be pruned back to their starting point on the main trunk or can be cut at any point along the trunk to stop its upward growth and encourage side growth instead.
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...
Canadian Hemlock Tree Facts
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), also called eastern hemlock, is a member of the pine family and native to North America. You’ll see the trees...
Canadian Hemlocks in The Landscape
Canadian hemlocks in the landscape have flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage and graceful, pyramid shapes. Their elegance makes them excellent cho...
Care For Canadian Hemlock Trees
If you’ve been careful about your planting location, care for Canadian hemlock trees is not difficult. The most important part of Canadian hemlock...
What zone do Canadian hemlock trees grow in?
In general, this species does well in cooler to cold climates, and thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7.
What insect kills Canadian hemlocks?
If you live in Virginia, Maryland or Pennsylvania, or other areas where infestations of woolly adelgid have been severe, remain vigilant. These are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can kill Canadian hemlocks. Treatment includes pesticides containing imidacloprid or dinotefuran. Printer Friendly Version.
How big do sage trees grow?
They have a slow to medium growth rate of up to 24 inches (61 cm.) a year, maturing to 50 to 70 feet (15-21 m.) tall and 25 feet (7.6 m.) wide. Don’t worry about their roots.
Can you use Canadian hemlock as a specimen tree?
Canadian hemlocks in the landscape have flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage and graceful, pyramid shapes. Their elegance makes them excellent choices for specimen trees. However, the trees are very tolerant of shearing. This means that you can also keep them short or use them for privacy screens.
Do Canadian hemlock trees need direct sun?
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.
Do Canadian hemlocks need irrigation?
As it matures, it still requires frequent irrigation during dry weather. Canadian hemlocks are not very drought tolerant. Care for Canadian hemlock trees can also require regular pruning if you wish to keep the tree a particular size or shape. It is not necessary for the trees’ health, however. Although these trees are hardy to zone 3, their roots ...
Is it necessary to mulch hemlock trees?
It is not necessary for the trees’ health , however. Although these trees are hardy to zone 3, their roots do better with protection against winter chill. The best care for Canadian hemlock trees includes applying a thick winter mulch.
What is Canadian hemlock?
Canadian hemlock is a type of evergreen tree that is native to North America.
Does Canadian hemlock suffer from any pests or diseases?
Canadian hemlock is generally a healthy tree and does not suffer from many pests or diseases.
How long does it take for a Canadian hemlock tree to grow?
Canadian hemlock trees can grow up to 30 feet (9 m) tall and 10 feet (3 m) wide.
When is the best time to plant a Canadian hemlock tree?
The best time to plant a Canadian hemlock tree is in the spring or fall.
Where can I buy a Canadian hemlock tree?
You can buy Canadian hemlock trees from local nurseries and garden centers.
How much does a Canadian hemlock tree cost?
The cost of a Canadian hemlock tree will vary depending on the size and type that you buy.
Final Words
Canadian hemlock is a beautiful tree that is perfect for gardens in cold climates.
What zone does Canadian Hemlock grow in?
The canadian hemlock can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 3–8. View Map
How fast does a sage tree grow?
This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
How long are brown cones?
Yields an abundance of small brown cones ½ –1" long that hang from the branches like ornaments.
Is Canadian hemlock drought tolerant?
The Canadian hemlock grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy and well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant.
How many cultivars of Canadian hemlock are there?
There are more than 50 cultivars of Canadian hemlock. Many are slow-growing and somewhat pendulous. Representative cultivars of Canadian hemlock include:
Where is Eastern Hemlock found?
Eastern hemlock is frequent in Eastern Kentucky, where it is approaching its limit in southern range. It is a shade-tolerant evergreen preferring moist mountain ravines. It is commonly associated with white pine and rhododendron groves. The Kentucky champion tree is in Harlan County and is more than 140 feet tall.
What is hemlock used for?
Canadian hemlock can be used for pulp and for rough, general construction, but in the past the wood has been of little value. Of value to Native Americans and colonists, however, was the bark that yielded tannins used as a curative and for tanning leather. Tragically, only the lower bark was peeled off, leaving the tree standing with its upper bark still intact, to slowly die.
What is the niche of hemlock?
Canadian hemlock's ecological niche is opposite that of pioneer species that invade and dominate disturbed soil. Canadian hemlock seedlings require the shade of pioneer species to become established, but once established, the dense, overlapping vegetation of the Canadian hemlock shades out the pioneer species and it thus becomes the dominant species.
What is the genus name for hemlock?
The genus name for the hemlock tree, Tsuga, is of Japanese origin.
What is the growth habit of a pyramidal tree?
Growth habit: Pyramidal when young, this tree has a nodding leader unique among our native conifers. Branches become pendulous with age.
How long does it take for a plant to spread?
Plants will hug the ground unless grafted on a short standard. Plants will spread about 3 feet in 10 years. ‘Gentsch Variegata' or ‘Gentsch White' - A slow-growing, spreading plant with variegated branch tips. ‘Sargentii' - A remarkable plant that develops a rounded, weeping habit.
Sunlight
Tolerates shade well, especially at the southern end of its range; full sun in the far north is best.
Watering
Not drought-resistant; your Hemlock needs regular watering, about an inch or so per week.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer every spring, once the tree is acclimated to its setting.
Planting instructions
Site your Canadian hemlock where it will get at least four hours of direct sun a day — or more if you live in the northern end of its range. Hemlocks have a spread of 25 to 35 feet, so be sure to space multiple trees far enough apart so that they have room to grow, unless you’re planning a hedge.
Watering and nutrients
Once established, your Canadian hemlock will do well with about an inch of water a week, either from rain or supplemental watering. It’s a good idea to mulch around the root zone with an organic mulch, such as bark or wood chips, to keep the soil evenly moist. This may allow you to water less frequently.
Pollination
Canadian hemlock trees are monoecious, meaning that a single tree has both male and female characteristics. In the hemlock’s case, it has both pollen cones and seed cones on each tree, with pollination occurring due to the action of wind. At that point, the pollen cones wither away and seed cones develop into small oval pinecones.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not needed with Canadian hemlocks unless you are shaping the trees to become a hedge or would like to keep them to a certain size, in which case, you would do your major pruning in spring or early summer.
How tall does hemlock grow?
For large trees and hedges, look for the species form of Canadian hemlock. ‘Pendula’ is a popular weeping form that grows 15 feet tall and wide. ‘Horsford Contorted’ is a dwarf, contorted form with twisted branches. ‘Cole’s Prostate’ is a good creeping form that grows only 1 foot tall.
Can hemlocks be trimmed?
You’ll be amazed as the different forms of this native tree. Hemlocks can be trimmed into beautiful, large hedges. Also, there are creeping forms that act like ground covers, weeping forms that make interesting additions to gardens, and dwarf forms that mix well in a small tree and shrub border.
Is Canadian hemlock evergreen?
So, the Canadian Hemlock is the evergreen that flourishes in almost any condition.
Do Canadian hemlocks grow together?
And Canadian Hemlocks are versatile. When planted in close proximity, these Hemlocks produce a dense hedge that will provide plenty of privacy. They grow together, forming a wall that also shields you from noise and high winds. The wispy foliage is surprisingly sturdy and can withstand high gusts of wind with no problem. No matter where you plant, you get a well-established, ample tree that increases property value and curb appeal.
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, ...
Can you grow hemlock trees in the shade?
The question isn’t so much how to plant a hemlock tree as where to plant them. 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.
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 hemlock trees 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.
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.
