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.

How old is the oldest hemlock tree?

The oldest eastern hemlock on record is 988 years. Slow-growing, shade tolerant, long-lived hemlocks have some exacting standards for conditions in which to regenerate.

How long do western hemlock trees live?

Western hemlock is shallow rooted and does not develop a taproot. The roots, especially the fine roots, are commonly most abundant near the surface and are easily damaged by harvesting equipment and fire. Maximum ages are typically over 400 years but less than 500 years.

Are hemlock trees good?

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.

Where is the oldest hemlock tree?

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).

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 …

How fast does a hemlock tree grow?

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 deep are hemlock tree roots?

Under ideal growing conditions, seedlings of eastern hemlock develop slowly. First-year seedlings may grow only 25 to 38 mm (1 to 1.5 in) in height and the roots extend less than 13 mm (0.5 in) into the soil.

What lives in hemlock trees?

Likewise, numerous bird and other animal species are strongly associated with hemlock forests including white tailed deer for whom young hemlock foliage is a preferred browse, and as many as 90 bird species, including the black-throated green warbler, the Blackburnian warbler and the Acadian flycatcher.

How do you care for a hemlock tree?

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.

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What is the difference between hemlock and Douglas fir?

Hemlock has narrow, flat needles that are usually only one inch long. … Fir has longer (3 inches on average) and more flat needles compared with hemlock. Upper surface of needles is usually green and shiny, while bottom side is covered with whitish stomata arranged in two rows.

What animals eat western hemlock?

Use by Wildlife: Hemlocks are favorite nesting trees for many birds. Pine Siskins, Crossbills, Chickadees and Deer Mice eat the seeds. Porcupines and Douglas Squirrels and other mammals also eat the bark. Deer and elk eat the foliage and twigs.

What does a western hemlock tree look like?

A large tree, it usually grows 30 to 50 metres tall. It has a rather narrow crown and conspicuously drooping new growth at the top of the tree. It has mostly down-sweeping branches and delicate feathery foliage. Needles are nearly flat, glossy, and soft; yellow to dark green on the upper surface and whitish underneath.

What are hemlock trees used for?

Eastern hemlock is used primarily for lumber and paper pulp. About three-fourths of the hemlock lumber produced is used for light framing, sheathing, roofing, and subflooring.

What does a hemlock tree represent?

The crow and hemlock tree represent sorrow and depression felt by the poet in this materialistic world. The dust of snow is the symbol of natural joy and energy.

What is a hemlock tree dust of snow?

Answer: A “dust of snow” could mean a freckle of snow or it could also refer to the little white flowers that can be found on hemlock tree. This “dust of snow” changed the poet’s mood.

Are hemlock trees worth money?

&bsp; For the tree grower, hemlock in 8 foot to 16 foot length logs is worth $. 25 a board foot when brought to the saw mill. … In the case of dying hemlocks, the landowner has to pay the logger to come cut the tree and haul it off, which most likely will cost him more than the value of the wood.

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.

Will deer eat hemlock trees?

Deer often bed down underneath these trees, taking advantage of shallower snow and sheltering branches. … 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.

Do hemlocks like water?

Water. Hemlock trees require a fair amount of water. They can tolerate less favorable conditions (partial sun in average soils of alkaline pH) if sufficient supplemental water is given during the dry periods of summer, but the soil must be well-drained.

Do hemlocks need sun?

Hemlocks do not thrive under hot, dry conditions. They grow well in partial shade and will tolerate full shade. Hemlocks also grow well in full sun if their soil requirements are met.

Do hemlocks 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.

Are hemlock trees bad?

Hemlock is known for its dense, wet habitats, constituting dry, rocky soil. … The major threat to hemlock trees is sap-sucking insects – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid—that were accidentally transferred to North America during the last century. Since then, these harmful pesticides are attacking hemlocks and ruining them.

Is hemlock a good firewood?

Although it’s classified as a softwood, hemlock can be a good firewood source as long as the wood is allowed to properly season before use.

Is hemlock a tree or a 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 do you age a hemlock tree?

1. Wrap the tape measure around the tree at about four and a half feet above the ground. This measurement is the tree’s circumference. …
2. Use the circumference to find the diameter of the tree. …
3. Determine the age of the tree by multiplying the diameter by the growth factor.

How close can 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.

Can you overwater a hemlock?

Hemlocks are a very stable tree once they are established in your landscape. After the initial installation adequate water is essential for not only establishment but also continued growth and development. Initially water ~ 10 gals per week. Do not allow the roots to dry out BUT do not overwater.

Can you trim hemlock tree?

If you find that you need to prune your hemlock tree, the best time for trimming hemlocks is either in spring or early summer. … Pruning hemlock trees in fall or winter can confuse the tree, causing it to return to active growth rather than dormancy.

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.

Is hemlock stronger than pine?

It is much stronger and harder than pine. It is used as cribbing (jacking timbers) and in situations requiring high strength. Green hemlock is very heavy but is easily worked with tools. Once dry, hemlock is very difficult to work.