How to Plant Hemlocks
The hemlock tree is a member of the pine family, producing evergreen foliage and reaching heights between 72 and 100 feet at maturity. The horizontal branches of the tree swoop downward towards the ground, offering a perfect haven for local wildlife. The fragrant foliage of the tree gives way to brown, cone-shaped fruits once the hemlock reaches the age of 15, with production lasting for hundreds of years after, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. This perennial tree prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.8. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Work the soil in your chosen planting location during the early spring. Use a pitchfork to break-up the soil to a depth of 18-inches. Test the soil with a soil-testing kit to determine the pH.
-
2
Amend the soil if the pH test reveals a pH above or below 6.8. If the pH is above 6.8, add peat moss to the soil. Soil with a pH below 6.8 will require the addition of lime. Add either amendment according to label instructions.
-
-
3
Dig a hole for the hemlock seedling using a garden shovel. The hole should match the height of the garden container but measure twice its width to accommodate an expanding root system.
-
4
Lay the hemlock on its side and slide the root ball out of the nursery container, leaving the attached dirt intact. Turn the hemlock upright and set it in the center of the planting hole.
-
5
Fill the hole halfway with soil. Fill the remainder of the hole with water from a garden hose to secure the roots. Continue backfilling, tamping down the soil around the hemlock with your foot to remove air pockets.
-
6
Water the hemlock immediately after planting, thoroughly saturating the soil to a 1-inch depth. Provide the hemlock with 1-inch of water each week during the first two growing seasons using a soaker hose. Once the hemlock becomes established, supplemental watering is required only during droughts.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Hemlocks benefit from yearly fertilizing with a fertilizer specifically designed for evergreens. Fertilize your tree following the directions on the label. Most evergreen fertilizers specify fertilizing in the fall, before the winter freeze.
Do not over-water your hemlock seedling. Over-watering can cause the roots to rot, eventually killing the tree. Test for moisture before each watering by pressing your fingers into the soil to a 1-inch depth. If the soil feels moist, do not water the tree. Check the soil again in a few days.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
