Question
Hi Rick

I have a large number of Hemlocks, I not sure why
I purchased these but they are not easy to maintain.  I use them to block a neighbors house but they dont grow very good,  First, can you tell me what would make these trees grow much better.

Second, is there anything else that you
would grow that stays green most of the year;
would be a good cover and grows tall and fast.
The area gets some sun but not tons of it -

Thanks

Ken from NY  

Answer
buy some hollytone evergreen fertilizer(espoma brand) at your local garden center/nursery. apply it once in the fall and again in early spring every year. this is the best way to thicken and make the plants healthier. quiz them on tree-types in your area.
my guess is the growth problem is enhanced by not enough lite and/or air getting into the areas. the best thing to do is remove the bottom branches of nearby shade trees to allow more light and air circulation into the area. you should prune hemlocks yearly to thicken them also.
arborvitae(thujas) will tolerate some shade and make nice hedge material.
good luck
rick
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