• Dense hemlock forest in Maine could be filled with deadly predators as well as trees.hemlock forest in snow image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
  
  Hemlock trees are dense, large trees with a thick cover of foliage, but they are not without problems. Hemlock trees in Maine may become prey for harmful insects, spreading pest problems to other areas of your lawn and garden. Find out where hemlock trees grow in Maine, learn to identify them and find out how you can keep yours healthy.
  
  

Growth

• Hemlock trees grow in moist, cool conditions where they can receive at least four hours of sunlight per day. The scaly bark may be grayish or dull red in color. Hemlock needles are short, less than 1 inch long and yellow-green in color. The undersides of the leaves may be gray or whitish in color. Hemlock trees may grow as high as 70 feet, with a trunk up to 3 feet long. Maine is ideal for hemlock trees; they are found scattered throughout most parts of the state. You may find hemlock trees nearby no matter where you live in Maine, and it's likely you will have little trouble growing the hemlock if you plant it in your yard.
  
  

Landscape Uses

• Hemlock trees create a hedge effect when they are sheared regularly, forming a thick wall of green. Although hemlock is dense, it is not suitable for use as a windbreak. When growing hemlock, provide the tree with well-drained soil that will not hold a lot of excess moisture. Deer feed on hemlock, so rural areas may find that the animals are drawn to these yards if there are hemlock trees on the property. Various pests, including the hemlock borer, white grubs, weevils and gypsy moth will negatively affect hemlock trees. Check trees often for signs of damage, and use insecticide when appropriate.
  
  

Identification

• To the casual observer, hemlock trees may look no different from other evergreen trees in Maine. Look for specific hemlock characteristics to make proper identification. The leaves of the hemlock are narrow and needle-like, with a sharp end, attached to the stems singly rather than in clusters. Roll the needles in your fingers if you can. If the needles roll, you are probably looking at a spruce and not a hemlock. The needles of the hemlock are flat. The hemlock greatly resembles the Douglas fir. Check the twigs of the tree to find the difference. Douglas fir twigs are smooth, while hemlock twigs have a small, raised bump.