A hemlock tree is a type of conifer that can grow up to 60 feet high and 30 feet wide. They’re popularly used as privacy shrubs and thrive in moist but well-drained soil conditions. While they don’t require constant care, scheduling occasional trimmings with your landscaper will help them remain a healthy addition to your yard.

What You Need to Know About Pruning Hemlock Trees

What Parts Need to Be Trimmed?

A hemlock tree has one main branch supporting its pyramidical shape. However, it's not unusual to discover an additional trunk growing and competing for the position of the main trunk. This disruption could send stronger branches shooting off in different directions, distorting the tree's shape. Your landscaper will trim these offshoots back to their original starting point to prevent interference with the main framework of the tree.

They will also trim dead, diseased, or broken branches. A landscaper will also trim areas where branches are rubbing together or crossing. Damaged limbs are perfect spots for pests to invade, and they'll need to be taken care of right away.

How Are They Trimmed?

Pruners or hedge trimmers are used to care for hemlocks. Landscapers will start by trimming outer growths to encourage new growth. If your hemlock is looking sparse, more substantial trimming will inspire bushier and more full growth in the future. Don't worry if the tree looks bare after being trimmed—hemlocks can recover from losing up to 50% of their branches.

When Should You Schedule Trimmings?

Professionals recommend trimming hemlocks in early spring or early summer. They'll recover swiftly from new growth because this is just before their active growth period. Avoid maintenance during fall or winter when hemlocks will be preparing to go dormant to survive colder temperatures. If trimmed, they could return to active growth, resulting in the potential death of the tree or its new growth.

Work with your landscaper to create a trimming schedule best suited to your environment and the state of your hemlock tree. If your tree has sustained damage from severe weather or disease, schedule an additional trimming.

Help your hemlock and the rest of your garden flourish with the help of the green thumbs at Pepper's Landscaping & Lawn Service Inc. in Trumbull, CT. This locally-owned landscaping service has served the Fairfield County community for over 35 years. They’re fully licensed and insured and offer a range of services, including lawn and landscape installation, drainage and excavation services, and routine maintenance services like tree trimming and shrub pruning. Create and maintain your dream yard by calling (203) 377-1596. View their beautifully completed projects online.