Appearance

• Hemlock trees have short, flat needles that are dark green and spiky. Its mature height is 20 to 70 feet, and the width is 20 to 40 feet. The tree grows in a triangle shape, with the narrowest part of the triangle at the top of the tree. Hemlocks are fast growing, and will grow 2 or more feet each year until they reach full grown height. They do not flower.
  
  

Care

• Care of the hemlock tree is simple. Well-drained soil that is acidic or slightly alkaline is ideal. Soils with a pH of higher than 8 will need to be lowered to the acidic range. Pine needles and sulfur mixed into the soil will lower the pH of any soil. Hemlocks grow best in full sun or partial shade. Water the tree once or twice a week if no rainfall occurs. Pruning should be done in late summer or early fall. Heavy pruning to nearly any shape is possible, and will not damage the tree.
  
  

Climate

• The ideal climate for the tree is U.S. hardiness zones 3 to 8. These zones provide a milder climate that does not have harsh winters or extremely hot summers. The hemlock can withstand a large amount of moisture in the air, and will grow fine in humid climates. If the tree is grown in drier climates, it is important to monitor it for signs of stress.
  
  

Origins

• The hemlock tree is native to North America and Southeast Asia. They were brought to different parts of the world, including the United States and Great Britain, because of their adaptability to those regions. Now the hemlock is seen in many different countries.
  
  

Problems

• A few diseases and pests commonly attack the hemlock tree. Gray mold, needle blight, rust, snow blight and butt rot can affect the branches and root system. Insects that attack the tree include scale, weevils, aphids and mites.