Thread: Canadian Hemlock

TJ - that picture is too funny. I WISH I had a hedge that big. LOL. Seriously, what size should I plan on getting in order to maintain it? Ideally, maybe an eight foot height is what I'm shooting for. In other words, a 6 foot planting is ideal, then maintain it to an eight foot height, or I suppose I'm looking at the width as well? Thanks for the info on the Garden Centers. I'll have to price match in spring. Comparing the 2009...

"Seriously, what size should I plan on getting in order to maintain it? " If it were me, probably 2 or 3 feet, but I know you have a need to fill fast. To get the fullest plant at 8 feet, I'd say a 3 or 4 footer at most. But I wouldn't give up on a Thuja yet. I know. A Tsuga junkie saying that , but a Thuja might be less trimming work later. tj

that wasnt my point ... value is in the eyes of the beholder.. or his checkbook ... if you start smaller.. it takes longer until pruning.. most stuff transplants better smaller ... and the job can be done for a fraction of the cost .... like pennies on the dollars quoted .... unless size is important ... lol why doesnt the OP think about de groots spire.. for tall.. thin.. never need pruning plants .... ken Here is a link that might be useful:...

My soil is also clay.

They're dying rapidly all along the east coast as far inland as West Virginia from the wooly adelgid.

From that list, either the straight species or emerald fountain which might work depending how tall you need it. EF would be expensive up front, but less trimming later to keep it in bounds. Any reason for not considering the more columnar forms of arborvitae or juniper?

As lacyvail stated, Canada hemlocks are in trouble. Unless you're prepared for costly annual treatments, you may want to look at some of the Asian varieties. I tend to prefer native species, but when it comes to natives that are in deep trouble, well, they may not be your best bet for this kind of investment.

Ken, that is the market in SE WI. I see those prices are pulled from Minors Nursery...they are actually one of the better priced nurseries in the area. Thats not to say they might be priced high on those particular culivars. As Ginkgonut mentioned, why not go with an Upright Juniper? Here is a link that might be useful: Minors Price List

I am spraying (heavy drenching) my hemlocks with horticultural oil.....after over a year the woolly adelgid keeps on going and is still there - going strong with lots of white stuff all over the place. What to do as apparently the trees wont last 3 years with this cr@p on them.

As for the wooly adelgid--Wisconsin is a long way from any area that is now infected. Unless someone carries some of these bugs to your area, it should be many, many years before it gets up and out there. By that time there may be some natural control established. If not there are measures to protect individual trees. Go ahead and plant them. Really, really wonderful trees!! --Spruce