Hemlock trees are evergreen type, it mightly seen towering in the Canadian wilderness. Hemlock is also famous for another very dark reason. The hemlock wood is used for flooring and funiture.

Today we’re going to talk more about the mighty hemlock, answering questions such as what makes it famous, where they are found, and how to care for one of your very own. If you are interested in this, keep reading. 

What Does a Hemlock Tree Look Like? 

Hemlock is a tall evergreen tree. Hemlock tree identification is easy thanks to their flat needles with little stems that attach them to the branch. 

The tree has a conical shape, though they tend to get more cylindrical as they grow older. These massive trees can grow up to 70 meters tall, or 230 feet. 

What Is the Hemlock Tree Known For? 

Hemlock is famous for its incredibly poisonous. The poison comes from all parts of the tree and will make a person extremely sick if ingested.

This poison is so potent that ancient Greeks would use hemlock to execute prisoners. This plant was how the famous Greek philosopher Socrates was killed. 

Can I Grow a Hemlock Tree? 

Depending on where you live, yes. Hemlock is a cold, hardy, evergreen tree that does well in northern climates. There are several varieties of hemlock, from the mighty evergreen to small creeping shrubs. 

People love this trees as garden plants for their lush appearance. The actual hemlock tree, the Eastern Hemlock, is likely too big for the average garden, so we recommend that you opt for one of the dwarf varieties of a garden. 

Is a Hemlock Tree a Pine Tree?

Hemlock is indeed part of the pine family. Other cousins include pine, fir, cedar, and larch. The Pinaceae family is known for its large, conical-shaped trees and thin needle-like leaves. These needles help hold in water during the winter when resources are scarce. 

Where do Hemlock Trees Grow in the US? 

While hemlock is not the most common tree in the first, it does have a substantial range. These trees start in Nova Scotia, growing in eastern Minnesota, Maryland, and Illinois. Finally, it appeared in Georgia and Alabama via the Appalachian Mountains. 

What is the Lifespan of a Hemlock Tree? 

Like many great trees, hemlock grows for a very long time. It can take up to 300 for a hemlock tree to develop fully. This same tree will continue to grow for another 800 years, if not more. 

Do Hemlock Trees Turn Yellow in the Fall? 

No. As hemlocks are evergreen trees with needles, they will remain green all throughout the year. 

If your tree is turning yellow, it is not a sign of the seasons changing or a hemlock tree disease. Instead, it is usually a sign of overwatering. If you notice the leaves of your hemlock turning yellow, it is an excellent time to check the soil around your tree.

If you have been watering it, then it may be time to cut back and allow the soil to dry out. If there have been heavy rains, avoid watering until the ground dries. 

In cases where the leaves are turning yellow despite a lack of watering or rain, check for a nearby natural spring that may be oversaturating the ground with water. If that’s the case, you can use a small ditch or buried weeping pipe to redirect the water elsewhere.

How Do You Take Care of a Hemlock Tree? 

Hemlocks are a native species to northern North America. You can find the trees in Illinois and Canada; as such do not need a lot of care in order to thrive in a suitable climate. They prefer well-drained soil that is on the cooler side. They also prefer acidic soils.

Planting around other evergreens is an excellent way to ensure the soil is a bit acidic, as decomposing needles will add acidity to the soil. 

Hemlocks also prefer partial shade but like at least a bit of direct sun every day. Another great reason to plant them near other evergreen trees. A small cluster will help protect young hemlock from heavy winds as well. 

They like the soil to be slightly moist but not saturated. If you’re caring for a hemlock tree, consider spreading mulch around the base of the tree in the spring to protect the soil from drying out once it gets hotter in the summer. 

If you are fertilizing your hemlock, opt for a slow-release formula, such as a 6-2-1 cottonseed meal. 

Conclusion

We hope that we have answered all your questions about hemlock trees. Most people wouldn’t believe just how deadly these majestic trees can be. There is even a little riddle about the tree. It goes, “What did the crow do to the hemlock tree?” The answer is that the crow landed in the branches, shaking the tree so that snow fell on the poet writing this riddle and brightening his day.