Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hemlock tree is a plant. It is a coniferous tree that can grow to a height of 30–40 m (98–131 ft). The leaves are evergreen, needle-like, and measure 2–3 cm (0.79–1.2 in) long. The cones are small, brown, and woody.

Also known as

• Tsuga
  
• Hemlock spruce
  
• Western hemlock
  
• Mountain hemlock
  
• Eastern hemlock

Good to Know

• The hemlock tree is a species of coniferous tree that is native to North America.
  
• The hemlock tree can grow to be over 100 feet tall and can live for over 500 years.
  
• The hemlock tree is an important source of wood for many different applications.
  
• The hemlock tree is also an important source of food and shelter for many animals.
  
• The hemlock tree has a deep taproot system that helps to anchor it to the ground.
  
• The hemlock tree is very tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive in areas where the temperature regularly drops below freezing.
  
• The hemlock tree is also tolerant of shade and can survive in areas where there is little sunlight.
  
• The hemlock tree is an important source of nectar for many different species of bees.
  
• The hemlock tree produces a cone that contains seeds that are eaten by many different animals.
  
• The hemlock tree is an important part of many different ecosystems and provides many benefits to the environment.

Related plant:
Canadian Hemlock

Growing Steps

1. For hemlock tree, first step is to grow the seeds.
   
2. Second step is to provide basic necessities like air, water and sunlight for the seed germination.
   
3. After the seed germination, third step is to transplanted the seedlings to a permanent location.
   
4. Fourth step is to water the young trees regularly and deeply.
   
5. Fifth step is to fertilize the young trees with balanced fertilizer.
   
6. Sixth step is to mulch around the trees to help with water retention and weed control.
   
7. Seventh step is to prune the young trees to encourage branching and to promote a strong structure.
   
8. Eighth step is to protect the young trees from pests and diseases.
   
9. Ninth step is to monitor the trees regularly for signs of stress or problems.
   
10. Tenth step is to harvest the trees when they reach maturity.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, hemlock tree can grow in different soil conditions but prefer well-drained, moist soils. It also prefers soils with a high organic matter content. Hemlock tree can also tolerate shade and flooding better than most other tree species.

Light requirement

Not too different with other trees, the hemlock tree needs sun light to grow. However, unlike other trees, the hemlock tree can actually tolerate shade quite well. In fact, too much sun can actually be harmful to the hemlock tree. The hemlock tree prefers a shady, cool environment in which to grow.

The Temperature

The temperature condition under which the hemlock tree lives is very important to its growth and development. The hemlock tree is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States and Canada. The tree prefers cooler temperatures and does not tolerate heat well. The tree is also shade tolerant, which means it can grow in areas that are not very sunny.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity falls below 40%, the tips of the leaves will turn brown and eventually die. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will develop yellow spots.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant prefers something with a high nitrogen content. As for the roots, they should be kept moist but not waterlogged. If the roots are waterlogged, it will cause the plant to become stunted or even die.

Light requirement

Pruning a hemlock tree is important to maintain the tree's shape and to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also important to avoid pruning too much, as this can damage the tree.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically by seed, but it can also be done by rooting hemlock cuttings. Seed should be collected in late summer or early fall and sown immediately. If seed is not sown right away, it should be stored in a cool, dry place over winter. Spring is the best time to take cuttings from hemlock trees. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy trees and should be about 6-8 inches long. Cuttings can be rooted in sterile potting mix or sand.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. Young trees may grow rapidly for the first few years, but growth slows as they mature. In general, hemlocks grow between 1 and 2 feet per year. Some trees may grow more quickly in ideal conditions, while others may grow more slowly depending on the health of the tree and the soil in which it is growing.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are bark and needle discoloration, needle drop, and dieback. The first sign of trouble is usually when the needles start to turn yellow or brown. This is followed by the needles falling off the tree. Dieback usually starts at the top of the tree and works its way down.

List to Know

• Make sure to plant your hemlock tree in an area that gets full sun.
  
• Hemlocks prefer moist, well-drained soil.
  
• When planting your tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  
• Place the tree in the hole so that the roots are spread out evenly.
  
• Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  
• Water the tree deeply after planting.
  
• Mulch around the base of the tree to help keep the roots moist.
  
• Fertilize your tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your tree annually to maintain its shape.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.

Alternative Plants

• Hemlock forest
  
• Hemlock Grove
  
• Hemlock Plantation
  
• Hemlock Springs
  
• Hemlock Creek
  
• Hemlock Creek Park
  
• Hemlock Valley
  
• Hemlock Butte
  
• Hemlock Falls
  
• Hemlock Pond

Source:
Hemlock: A Forest Giant on the Edge | Harvard Forest
Hemlock – Inanimate Life - Geneseo
ID That Tree: Eastern Hemlock | Purdue Extension Forestry