Save our Hemlocks

Canadian Hemlock makes a great landscaping choice for a difficult yard.  People like Canadian Hemlocks in their yards for many reasons.  The main ones are that hemlocks can easily be trained and trimmed to fit the size of the yard, and that it has the ability to grow really well in both full or partial shade.  Hemlocks do well in a large variety of pH soils which make it easy to place in just about any persons yard.

The species which is known as the Canadian hemlock hails from eastern Canada but it does really well in eastern half of North America as well.  It can be spotted in the area by recognizing its full deep green foliage which branches down right to the ground around it.  This foliage can spread around the hemlock up to as big as 35 feet , but this has alot to do with whether the tree is regularly trimmed or not.  Another way to identify the hemlock is by examining its needles which are a rich dark green on top, but a much lighter green on the bottom.

These trees are preferred by homeowners and landscapers because it often makes an easy addition to just about any yard plan.  By including a variety of Canadian Hemlocks in your yard you will bring a fresh vibrant scent to the area.  It is also a good idea to plant hemlocks along with smaller bushes like Lavender, and Woody Sage if you are looking to freshen up the air around your house.  The smaller varieties can make great separators between garden areas and lawns, and the larger ones can really provide some additional privacy due to their large size.

Another reason people prefer using hemlocks , is because there is very little mess associated with them.  Hemlocks pine cones have a two year development period so there is less shedding as compaired to regular pines.  There are however some drawbacks to using hemlocks.  The first is that these trees are very slow growing and thus using them as any type of screen will take much longer than other planting options.  The other drawback is that these do not do well near roads due to salt that might get kicked up onto them by passing cars.

Good soil drainage is preferred for most hemlock species, but they will grow in just about any area or condition just as well.  The positives vastly out weight the negatives with the Canadian Hemlock species , whether its business or for your home, they will be sure to be a great addition.

Shown below is a Canadian Hemlock at a nursery