Hemlocks dying

[ApS]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

"...Hemlocks don't live forever...I have new growth coming up in the vicinity, and removing the older trees will allow the younger ones a chance to grow..."

Unless you need a "privacy hedge", I would discourage Hemlocks altogether.

Biological diversity of species on your lot is important. If, through disease or wood-borer, I lost every Hemlock, my lot would be a very empty lot indeed.

Oversized Hemlocks are all that remain here by the lake's edge. Because Hemlocks leave a very fragile mat of "duff" (that is easily washed into the lake), I've encouraged every new White Pine tree that "volunteers". (Even fencing them against our local "rampaging" beavers).

If you are building on a new lot, check the DES "tree inventory" for your lot: of a dozen lots near me, each has one cedar and one hickory—and not one more. (New Hampshire's purest lakes are surrounded by mature Pine trees—which are disappearing rapidly).

Originally Posted by Lucky1

"...Sad to say this year there seem to be such a number of branches that are now just brown thin sticks with all of the green gone. Now one sees through the trees and the fear is that they will loose all of their needles..."

I've done the same "Hemlock hedge privacy thing" long before any McMansion structure was to appear next door.

It's normal for small hemlocks to lose lower branches—especially where there is little sun available. Though small Hemlocks can thrive under large Hemlocks, what kills small hemlocks is shade produced by large trees (such as maples) and shade from new structures.

The new builders left a few large trees without effect, but what is really killing them off is a new stream that appeared between our properties the smaller Hemlocks aren't growing, and the taller Hemlocks have been blown over. Without assurance of rooting in solid ground, it would be a mistake IMO to wire them back-upright.

Check that your privacy Hemlocks are getting good sun all year (You may have to cut down a mature tree)—and check that their roots aren't too wet.

Good luck, and keep us "posted".