Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Nature Hills Nursery

Moderate Growth Rate Canadian Hemlock Reaches 40-75 Feet with Elegant Pyramidal Form
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 60-70 ft Tall, 20-40 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$49²¹

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: These evergreens perform best in partial shade to full sun, though they appreciate protection from the hot afternoon sun in warmer growing zones. They are one of the few needled evergreens that thrive in shady locations, making them perfect for woodland gardens.
Soil: Plant in cool, moist, and acidic soil that drains well but still retains some hydration. If you have heavy clay or poor drainage, amend the site with organic compost or peat moss to keep the shallow roots happy.

Watering Requirements

Young trees need consistent moisture to establish their shallow root systems, so check the soil weekly and water deeply if the top inch feels dry. Even when mature, Canadian Hemlocks are not drought-tolerant and will show stress through needle drop if the soil dries out completely. A thick layer of mulch is highly recommended to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Pruning Tips

Handle any major shaping or shearing in early spring before the new flush of soft green needles appears. You can trim the outer foliage to maintain a formal hedge shape, but be careful not to cut back into the bare interior wood since it will not regrow. Pruning at this time allows the upcoming spring growth to quickly cover any cut ends.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving evergreens once a year in early spring. Avoid applying nitrogen-heavy products after mid-summer, as this encourages soft new growth that will be damaged by the first winter freeze.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Partial shade, Shade, Full sun
Height	60-70 ft
Width	20-40 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Spring
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Tsuga canadensis
Species	canadensis
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Long Lived, Hardy Canadian Hemlock Evergreen

Partial Shade Evergreen
Long-Lived
Elegant Silhouette
Hardy
Wildlife Interest

For gardeners in Zones 3 - 8, if you are looking for a tall, evergreen tree that will grow in sun or shade shade, you'll want to take a good look at the magnificent Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). This tree is native to North America and prefers partial shade in well-drained soils. It's simply wonderful in a cool, moist yard.

Soft, feathery evergreen foliage graces a strong, straight pyramidal silhouette. This impressive tree grows into a pyramidal shape supported by one strong central trunk.

Short, dark green needles are delicately arranged along the stems, and are grayish on the underside. They can be pruned and maintained in a more formal look, or allowed to grow naturally. The furrowed bark on older trees is a reddish-cinnamon color and looks fantastic.

These long-lived trees can live for hundreds of years old. You'll cherish this tree as it adds a visual element of strength and grace to your landscape.

By the way, we'd like to set your mind at rest. This tree is a member of the Pine family and it is not poisonous. Remember learning about Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher in school? This tree isn't the notorious "poison hemlock" he drank to escape punishment. (That was actually derived from Conium maculatum, which is an herbaceous member of the carrot family that is native to Eurasia.) No worries, you are safe and free to love on this tree!

You won't be the only one who loves this tree. Eastern Hemlocks make great cover for birds and other wildlife during the winter months.

If you have a ridge, shady hillside or ravine on your property - don't forget to include the perfectly elegant Canadian Hemlock tree in your landscape. Order today.

How to Use Canadian Hemlock in the Landscape

This tree will not thrive in full sun during the hot summer months. Instead, place Hemlock at the edge of a woods plant where the growing conditions are perfect.

If you have the room, use an informal grouping of 3, 5 or 7 as a backdrop to your favorite perennial or mixed border planting. This is an incredible legacy to leave for future generations.

A single specimen would give your landscape a soft, graceful look. Hemlock is one of the few evergreens that can be used in dappled shade locations, tolerating partial shade better than other evergreens.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Canadian Hemlock is a slower-growing evergreen that will not tolerate open, exposed, or hot and humid weather that you find in the more southern states. Cool moist, and slightly acidic soil is best. They handle full sun in cooler climates but will do best with afternoon shade or as an understory tree in hotter growing zones.

The right growing site will ensure your plant has the conditions it needs to thrive. Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to closely manage shipments of plant materials. We protect you and your community as good stewards of the planet.

Once planted, be sure to keep your Hemlock happy and growing well by adding additional water during the dry periods.

Little pruning will be needed as they do not put on excessive amounts of growth in a season, just graceful, uniform nodding branch tips. You'll be so impressed with the beauty of this tree.

With a slow growth rate, Canadian Hemlock is long-lived and attractive to both humans and wildlife. In the right spot, this evergreen seems to have it all. Give one, or more, a home today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Canadian Hemlock suitable for in the US and Canada?

Canadian Hemlock thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of the continental United States and southern Canada. This hardy evergreen tolerates cold winters well but struggles in hot, sunny climates. Choose a partially shaded location for best results.

What is the size at maturity for Canadian Hemlock trees, including height and width?

Canadian Hemlock trees typically reach 40-70 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide at maturity. These long-lived evergreens develop an elegant pyramidal shape with a strong central trunk. In Zones 3-8, give them partial shade and well-drained soil for best growth. Shop quality specimens at naturehills.com.

How hardy is Canadian Hemlock to cold temperatures and winter conditions?

Canadian Hemlock is extremely cold hardy, thriving in zones 3-8 where winter temperatures can drop to -40°F. These long-lived evergreens are built to withstand harsh winter conditions for hundreds of years. Plant in partial shade with good drainage for best cold tolerance.

Is Canadian Hemlock deer resistant or will deer eat it?

Canadian Hemlock is not deer resistant and deer will browse on the foliage, especially on younger trees. The soft, feathery needles are appealing to deer during winter months when other food sources are scarce. Plant in areas with natural deer deterrents or consider protective fencing for the first few years until the tree matures.

How does Canadian Hemlock handle drought or dry soil conditions?

Canadian Hemlock prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and doesn't tolerate drought well. This native evergreen thrives in cool, moist conditions rather than dry sites. Plant it in naturally moist areas like shaded hillsides or near water sources for best results.

What soil types does Canadian Hemlock prefer, and what pH level?

Canadian Hemlock thrives in well-drained soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels between 5.0-7.0. This hardy evergreen adapts to various soil types but performs best in cool, moist conditions with good drainage. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils that can cause root rot.

Can Canadian Hemlock be shipped bare root, and how does it handle shipping stress?

Canadian Hemlock ships best as a potted plant rather than bare root, as evergreens need their root systems protected during transport. This hardy tree (Zones 3-8) handles shipping stress well when planted in cool, moist conditions with partial shade. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly.

Is Canadian Hemlock suitable for hedges or privacy screens, and how to prune it?

Canadian Hemlock makes an excellent hedge or privacy screen since it tolerates pruning well and can be maintained in a formal shape. These hardy evergreens thrive in Zones 3-8 and prefer partial shade locations. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins for best results.