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ApS · 05-21-2010, 09:28 PM

Hemlocks grow quickly and, except for other hemlocks, shade out anything growing beneath them. (Shading the understory of growth).

As indicated by wide growth-rings, their fast growth may account for their being not particularly strong against wind damage.

As an example, a squall tore the top 20-feet off two medium-sized hemlocks along my shoreline. Nobody happened to be endangered at the time, but both tops made deep depressions in the soil. (Tipped off, Winnipesaukee Diver did a "cruise-by"—and nodded an appreciative expression of awe).

No other tree species was affected.

Both Hemlocks were under 20" diameter—both died as a result—and would have required an expensive shoreline disposal. One posing the least hazard remains dead—but upright,

'cuz I like the many visits by Pileated Woodpeckers

.

Hemlock needles are tiny—offer a poor rooting medium for other trees and offer little against shoreline erosion. As they are easily washed into the lake, they contribute "nutrients" that favor algae growth—subsequent browsing by snails—and ultimately the dreaded "Duck Itch".

White Pine needles interlock on the ground, making a firm, long-lasting mat against run-off and perform an effective erosion barrier. (And smell nice when warmed by the morning sun).

Pines are the first to recover in woodlands after forest fires. (Fires that Humanity has brought to an effective halt). White Pines likely were dominant around the Lakes Regions' shorelines since the time of the glaciers. My guess is that our lakes had a much higher water purity/clarity before Hemlocks eventually replaced those Pines that have been trucked away. (Over decades of time).

Unfortunately, White/Red Pines are valuable building woods (and fuel): Pines' centuries-old trunks predominate on this region's logging trucks.

On the practical side of things, the Eastern Hemlock isn't "valuable" for very much at all.

As wood-stove material, Hemlock will smolder. One log will keep the firebox suitably warm overnight 'til morning.

Pine sticks and cones are great fire-starters—substitute them for charcoal "starter fluid"—to help rid us of a fossil-fuel derivative.

Eastern Hemlocks have been experiencing adelgid and wood borer die-offs for some time. I recall the adelgid was observed in Portsmouth several years ago.

What was the question?

05-21-2010, 09:28 PM	#26
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,949 Thanks: 2,223 Thanked 781 Times in 557 Posts	Oh Boy, Do I Have Hemlocks!!! Hemlocks grow quickly and, except for other hemlocks, shade out anything growing beneath them. (Shading the understory of growth). As indicated by wide growth-rings, their fast growth may account for their being not particularly strong against wind damage. As an example, a squall tore the top 20-feet off two medium-sized hemlocks along my shoreline. Nobody happened to be endangered at the time, but both tops made deep depressions in the soil. (Tipped off, Winnipesaukee Diver did a "cruise-by"—and nodded an appreciative expression of awe). No other tree species was affected. Both Hemlocks were under 20" diameter—both died as a result—and would have required an expensive shoreline disposal. One posing the least hazard remains dead—but upright, 'cuz I like the many visits by Pileated Woodpeckers . Hemlock needles are tiny—offer a poor rooting medium for other trees and offer little against shoreline erosion. As they are easily washed into the lake, they contribute "nutrients" that favor algae growth—subsequent browsing by snails—and ultimately the dreaded "Duck Itch". White Pine needles interlock on the ground, making a firm, long-lasting mat against run-off and perform an effective erosion barrier. (And smell nice when warmed by the morning sun). Pines are the first to recover in woodlands after forest fires. (Fires that Humanity has brought to an effective halt). White Pines likely were dominant around the Lakes Regions' shorelines since the time of the glaciers. My guess is that our lakes had a much higher water purity/clarity before Hemlocks eventually replaced those Pines that have been trucked away. (Over decades of time). Unfortunately, White/Red Pines are valuable building woods (and fuel): Pines' centuries-old trunks predominate on this region's logging trucks. On the practical side of things, the Eastern Hemlock isn't "valuable" for very much at all. As wood-stove material, Hemlock will smolder. One log will keep the firebox suitably warm overnight 'til morning. Pine sticks and cones are great fire-starters—substitute them for charcoal "starter fluid"—to help rid us of a fossil-fuel derivative. Eastern Hemlocks have been experiencing adelgid and wood borer die-offs for some time. I recall the adelgid was observed in Portsmouth several years ago. What was the question?