Hemlock Planting Guide
Hemlock trees are evergreens that are planted for their ability to act as shade trees. They are easy to grow, aren't particular about moisture and will grow in average soil. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Soil
-
Find a place in your garden that has, ideally, sandy or granular soil. Though this is the preferred soil type, hemlock trees will also grow in clay or silty soil, though the species does prefer soil that is pH 4.6 to 6.5.
Sun/Wind
-
Hemlock trees will grow in full or partial sunlight or in full shade. They are, however, susceptible to being dried out from winds, particularly in the Midwest, according to the Yardener. Care must be taken to protect the young trees from the drying effects of the wind.
-
Protection
-
If you live in an area with potentially high winds, stake the young trees for the first year, to protect them from being blown over. Yardener recommends that you don't stake them longer or you may harm their growth.
Stakes
-
Get three posts and drive them into the ground. Place them roughly 4 feet from the trunk. Take rope or clothesline, loop it around the trunk and fasten it to the stakes. Leave a little play in it for bending. Check them throughout the year to ensure they aren't binding the trunk.
Space
-
Hemlock trees grow 50 to 75 feet high and can spread 20 to 30 feet around, so be sure you take this into account when you choose a location for your tree and the landscaping around it.
Poison
-
Do not confuse hemlock trees with hemlock plants. The plants are highly poisonous and should be handled with extreme caution. The trees are fine, they have no poison.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrew
