Garden Near Hemlock Trees: Deep Shade plus Acidic Duff
A garden near hemlock trees sits in some of the deepest shade a yard can offer. NC State Extension notes eastern hemlock grows in moist, well drained, somewhat acidic soil plus reaches 40 to 70 feet tall, so beds below compete for light plus water.
The short answer
Plan for shade plus dry roots. NC State notes eastern hemlock grows in sun to part shade while Carolina hemlock takes partial to full shade. Penn State Extension advises small plants set in small holes, no more than 2 inches of added soil plus deep weekly water.
Which hemlock is this about?
We cover the hemlock tree, Tsuga. NC State notes eastern hemlock reaches 40 to 70 feet with dwarf cultivars for small yards. Carolina hemlock stays near 30 feet. NC State notes hemlock woolly adelgid is a major pest of both.
What grows under hemlock trees?
Penn State notes dry shade perennials suit the ground below trees plus advises plugs or divisions over large pots. NC State notes eastern hemlock likes somewhat acidic soil. The University of New Hampshire Extension notes pine needles do not appreciably lower soil pH. It does not cover hemlock, so read that as a conifer note.
| Factor | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern height | 40 to 70 feet | NC State |
| Carolina height | About 30 feet | NC State |
| Light | Sun to part shade | NC State |
| Soil | Moist plus somewhat acidic | NC State |
| Added soil | No more than 2 inches | Penn State |
| Needles | Do not appreciably lower pH | UNH |
Source: NC State Extension, Penn State Extension plus University of New Hampshire Extension.
How do you plant without harming hemlock roots?
Penn State advises starting about 1 foot from the trunk plus digging small holes between roots. It advises 1 to 2 inches of shredded bark mulch plus deep water once a week. It notes tree roots always win the contest for water, so consistent water for the first year or two matters.
How to: step by step
- Note the soil type plus moisture under the canopy.
- Pick small dry shade perennials.
- Dig small holes between roots.
- Add no more than 2 inches of soil.
- Mulch with 1 to 2 inches of shredded bark.
- Water deeply once a week.
Troubleshooting
Plants decline: deep shade. Penn State notes dry shade perennials suit these spots.
Dry soil: root competition. Penn State advises deep weekly water.
Soil mounded on roots: too much fill. Penn State advises no more than 2 inches.
For siting see garden microclimates for cannabis plus planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout. Read growing cannabis near trees plus underwatering cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Tsuga caroliniana (Carolina hemlock), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Underplanting trees: respect the roots, Penn State Extension
- Do pine trees and pine needles make soil more acidic?, UNH Extension
FAQ
How tall does eastern hemlock grow?
NC State Extension notes eastern hemlock reaches 40 to 70 feet tall plus suggests dwarf cultivars for smaller spaces.
Do conifer needles make soil acidic?
The University of New Hampshire Extension notes pine needles do not appreciably lower soil pH. It does not study hemlock directly.
Is there a smaller hemlock for gardens?
NC State Extension notes Carolina hemlock grows about 30 feet tall plus takes partial to full shade.
What soil does eastern hemlock like?
NC State Extension notes eastern hemlock grows in moist, well drained, somewhat acidic soil.
How close to a hemlock trunk can you plant?
Penn State Extension advises starting about 1 foot from the trunk plus using small holes between roots.
