How do you grow a hemlock hedge?

How do you grow a hemlock hedge?

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 do you care for a Canadian hemlock?

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.

How fast does a Canadian hemlock grow?

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

Can you trim a Canadian hemlock?

A: Hemlocks tolerate trimming and shearing better than most evergreens. The ideal time is the end of winter, just before new growth begins. You could trim in winter, but the more you cut, the barer it’ll look for a longer period of time until new growth resumes again in spring to fill in.

Will hemlocks grow back?

Hemlocks will sprout vigorous new growth once trimmed and pruning during the active growth period may prevent the tree from going dormant when it needs to. However, any damage should be removed from the tree immediately, regardless of whether the tree is dormant or not.

What part of a hemlock tree is poisonous?

leaves
The leaves are particularly poisonous in the spring, up until it produces flowers. The roots of poison hemlock can easily be mistaken for wild parsnips, while the leaves can be mistaken for parsley. This is the primary culprit for accidental poisoning.

How tall do hemlocks get?

The eastern hemlock grows well in shade and is very long lived, with the oldest recorded specimen, found in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, being at least 554 years old. The tree generally reaches heights of about 31 m (102 ft), but exceptional trees have been recorded up to 53 m (174 ft).

Will deer eat Canadian hemlock?

Deer may like to snack on your Canadian hemlock. Deer love to browse on tender, moist twigs and leaves, but they tend to avoid plants with strong odors, prickly or rough leaves, and bitter-tasting foliage. Despite its needle-like foliage, deer occasionally snack on the Canadian hemlock.

How do you fertilize Canadian 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.

Is Canadian hemlock poisonous to dogs?

The two types of plants commonly known as hemlock, while unrelated, are both quite toxic to animals and humans. If your pet ingests either type of hemlock, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Should you prune hemlocks?

It is best to trim and prune hemlocks in early spring or late winter before the active growth period begins, trimming only what is necessary. Hemlocks will sprout vigorous new growth once trimmed and pruning during the active growth period may prevent the tree from going dormant when it needs to.

Do you need to care for a Canadian hemlock tree?

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 do better with protection against winter chill.

What was the bark of a Canadian hemlock used for?

The bark of the Canadian hemlock tree 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 the most common evergreen trees growing in the forests of eastern North America.

When is the best time to prune a hemlock tree?

However, if you are interested in training your hemlock to be a hedge, then you will need to prune your hemlock trees during the early spring or the late fall. Some people will use hemlocks as bonsai trees or topiary trees. What is a Hose Bib?

What to put in hole for hemlock tree?

Once the hole has been dug you can set your hemlock tree in the hole. Then add about 3 inches of mulch made from pine litter like pine straw and bark to the hole.