Planted 23 canadian Hemlocks

tractchores · May 8, 2013

Got some good use of the tractor today planting 3' -4' bare root hemlocks. The trees are strewn throughout the woods about 10' from each other and the property line. The goal is a wind break and winter privacy. They're in a mature mostly hardwood forrest. The trees were soaked overnight in water to hydrate them and all looked good when planted.

I used the BH to dig the holes, then used a carryall and the FEL to bring in the trees, water and composted loam to refill the holes. The biggest issue was access through the forrest (no trails or road), but I managed. I also discovered that every single location that I staked for the tree hole had giant boulders in it. It may be the most reliable way to find big rocks, most were basketball sized or smaller so no issue for the BH, though I was left with bigger than desired holes.

Anyone have recommendations for follow on care to get the trees growing quickly? I plan to water every week or so. My big concern is that my resident herd of deer may eat or uproot them. It was a looong job, but definitely easier with the BH and tractor!

Western · May 8, 2013

Thats some hard work even with "big" tools:laughing: From what I have been told about my trees is they need 1" of water a week, or up to 4-5 gallons in dry months. I think finding the correct water schedule will be the toughest thing, to much or to little are big killers. I was told by my local nursery to not fertilize young trees the 1st year, dont know why not, but I didn't.

As far as the deer, I used concrete mesh for cages on some of the deciduous trees. Deer have done more damage to the cedars and pine I planted last fall though (bucks).

DFB · May 8, 2013

I like hemlocks. Planted dozens of bareroot ones years ago. I used fertilizer pellets when I planted them.
Best evergreen to grow in the shade too. Give good privacy. Deer eat on hemlock sometimes mainly winter. I never had an issue though. You could always spray some deer repellant.

s219 · May 9, 2013

One of my favorite trees, but isn't there a bug/mite killing Hemlocks on the east coast now? Canadian Hemlock is another name for Eastern Hemlock, with two stripes under each needle.

Where did you buy the trees? I was actually thinking of planting some down here in VA on my new property. Very good under canopy tree down here.

forgeblast · May 9, 2013

Hemlock Wooly adelgid is the bug that is killing many of our hemlocks.

DFB · May 9, 2013

s219 said:
Where did you buy the trees? I was actually thinking of planting some down here in VA on my new property. Very good under canopy tree down here.

Most all trees I have ever bought came thru State sponsered Conservation District sales.

A lot of states offer seedling programs.

This was last Masachusetts sale flyer for the western district
http://berkshireconservation.org/downloads/2013sale.pdf

tractchores · May 9, 2013

I got the trees from Fast Growing Trees - Buy Trees Online - 1-888-504-2001. The price was pretty good. I was worried about the adelgid, but there are no other trees that fit the bill (deep shade evergreens). The adelgid hasn't had much of an effect near me luckily and i hear they are close to a biological solution for it. I did verify that they spray and check the trees prior to shipment, my concern was introducing it. I also checked the trees upon arrival and they looked good. I also heard not to fertilize so didn't

tractchores · May 9, 2013

Well not sure if mother nature is helping me or hurting me. We had some torrential rains today, looks like all the trees remained up-right, but they're sitting in some very wet soil and one had to be restraightened.