With its slender growth and elegantly overhanging branches, the shapely hemlock deserves a front row seat in the garden. Annual pruning is recommended so that the densely needled pine tree retains its harmonious silhouette as a solitaire, in a group or as a hedge. You can read here what to look out for

Fines can be cut at the end of June

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Despite its botanical assignment to the pine family, the Canadian hemlock does not like to be bothered with pruning shears in the midst of its growth. While mountain pines only get their topiary just before the start of summer, a Tsuga canadensis has long since coped with the stress at this point. Prune your Canadian hemlock between February and April and you'll be fine.

Hedges tolerate light summer pruning

Cultivated as an evergreen privacy hedge, the Canadian hemlock catches the eye of the beholder all year round. In this case, sprigs of shoots disturb the well-groomed appearance. It's a good thing that you can trim branches that are too long around St. John's Day (June 24) without hesitation.

Protecting old wood better - what to look out for when cutting

In order to skilfully cut a Tsuga canadensis, restraint is the top priority. As long as the pruning measures are concentrated on the one- to two-year-old wood, the tree fulfills all expectations as a solitary and hedge plant with dense, bushy shoots. How to cut the wood correctly:

  • Shorten branches that are too long by no more than the budding of the previous 2 years
  • Cut off dead branches at the base without damaging the branch ring
  • Remove inward shoots as well as stunted, diseased branches

Consistency is trump in the proper pruning of a hemlock. If there is a shape and maintenance cut every year, you can also regulate the growth in height without affecting the slim silhouette. If, on the other hand, the tree is only decapitated at an advanced age, it will sprout a nest-like top and at the same time expand significantly.

Cut the hedge into a trapezoid shape

In order for a hemlock as a hedge to retain its dense needle dress, light and air should reach all regions of the wood. By cutting the hedge in a trapezoidal shape, this requirement is met.

tips

If you are looking for an evergreen tree for the grave, you will find it in the dwarf hemlock 'Nana'. Thanks to a low height in nest form up to a maximum of 60 cm, the easy-care wood adorns the resting place wonderfully, even if it is in the shade.

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Trees