How to Identify the Western Hemlock (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=GA4B_4SCMFE)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 2: Stratify the Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the wild, western hemlock seeds fall to the forest floor in late fall and lay dormant through the winter, eventually sprouting in early spring. This period of dormancy is crucial as it is directly connected to how well the seeds sprout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When growing western hemlocks yourself, you can mimic these conditions by stratifying the seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remove the seeds from the pine cones, place them in a plastic bag with some moist sand, seal the bag, and place it in your refrigerator for about 3 to 4 months through the winter. Check the bag often to make sure the sand isn\u2019t drying out; moisten it by spritzing with a spray bottle as needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRemove the seeds from the sand in late winter to early spring. They are now ready to be planted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Plant the Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can plant your seeds directly in a prepared area of your yard or in a planter in your house. If planting outside, wait until the danger of frost has passed, or use a cold frame to protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose an area where they will receive full sun to partial shade and be protected from harsh winds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHemlock trees need loose, loamy soil full of organic material. If you are planting them inside, mix potting soil with peat moss; if planting outside, remove any weeds from the area and mix in some sand and compost to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Place the seeds on the surface of the prepared area; you may cover them with up to half an inch of soil to protect them, but this is not necessary as they are well adapted to sprouting from the surface.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf planting multiple seeds, place them at least 8 inches apart. This will give them room to spread their roots and will allow them to grow into healthy trees without having to fight for space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Water and Mulch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Western hemlocks need soil that is constantly damp but not soggy. Give the seeds a small amount of water several times each week; do not allow the soil to dry out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may also want to use a layer of mulch to reduce the amount of watering you have to do. Mulch will help to hold in the moisture and will also insulate the soil and seeds from extreme hot and cold temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wood chips make an excellent mulch for western hemlock trees. Not only do they insulate, retain moisture, and guard against weeds, they also make the soil underneath more acidic, which hemlock trees love.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf mulching, be sure not to apply the mulch directly over your seeds. Once the seeds have sprouted, you can tuck the mulch around the sapling like a blanket to protect it as it grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your seeds don\u2019t sprout as quickly as you thought they would, don\u2019t give up. It may take up to 60 days of consistent care and watering before they begin to sprout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Consider Using a Tree Stake or Cage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once your seedlings have sprouted, you\u2019ll still need to provide a lot of care and protection while they establish themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider placing a chicken wire cage around your saplings to keep animals from getting close to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a lot of wind in your area, you might want to secure your little tree to a tree stake. Western hemlocks are surface growers, which means that their shallow root systems make them prone to toppling in the wind, especially when they are young.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYour saplings will grow slowly at first, but with the proper care and continued watering, they will eventually become strong, healthy, beautiful trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-1.jpg\")