Do Canadian Hemlocks or Tsuga Canadensis tolerate clayish soil well?
Canadian Hemlock is difficult to transplant. It is best moved balled & burlaped in either spring or fall. Container grown stock is a little more forgiving. They can be planted in many soil types including clay, but they really prefer good drainage, cool, acid soils with adequet moisture. I’ve not had much luck planting hemlocks in clays around Chicago. On client’s sites under client’s care – Chicago clay – 15; Hemlocks – 0. Winds are detrimental to hemlock. They can withstand full shade but, partial shade is where they shine. They do grow well in full sun with adequet moisture. They do not tolerate polllution or salt.
