The hemlock is a separate genus in the pine family. There are various shapes and sizes of hemlocks on the market. The evergreen, frost-hardy trees need a little more care to thrive.

The hemlock needs to be well cared for

The hemlock firs prefer a location that is not too sunny and is as sheltered from the wind as possible and a low-lime, nutrient-rich soil. The pressure-sensitive roots do not run very deep. In good conditions and with proper care, hemlocks can grow very old.

Do you have to water the hemlock additionally?

Tsuga canadensis needs additional watering in prolonged drought and on sandy soil. If the tree is in full sun, more frequent watering is also required to prevent dry damage to the needles.

When to transplant hemlock

Spring is better suited for transplanting evergreen trees than autumn, as the conifers still have to absorb sufficient water through their hairy root system in winter.

When and how should you prune hemlocks?

  • cut before sprouting in spring,
  • by cutting back the one-year-old wood, the tree grows bushy in width,
  • shortening the side shoots promotes slimmer growth,
  • If possible, do not cut into the perennial wood, as this will only sprout unwillingly.

Are hemlocks susceptible to diseases and pests?

The trees, weakened by improper care, can easily be attacked by mealybugs or fungi. This causes needle and shoot damage, which can lead to the death of the trees after a few years. Yellowing of the needles is not a disease, but is due to the lack of water intake.

Do hemlocks need fertilizing?

The nutrient requirement of the hemlock is quite high. Fertilizing with acidic fertilizers is recommended for healthy growth, especially if the soil is not of the desired quality.

How hardy are the hemlocks?

Tsuga canadensis has good frost resistance. The dwarf and some hanging varieties are more sensitive to frost. Wind protection is therefore recommended in winter to avoid excessive evaporation. A layer of dry leaves, bark mulch or brushwood in the root area protects the plant from severe ground frost.

tips

For smaller gardens, e.g. B. the varieties Compacta, Minuta, Nana or Greenwood Lake, which grow more in width than in height and not particularly fast.

Category:

Trees