Hemlock

Are any of you history buffs? Even if you are not, you have a physical connection to the past via the newspaper. On June 22, 1931, the Pennsylvania Legislature adopted the eastern hemlock as our state tree:

"Whereas, The hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis Linnaeus) is still today, as it was of old, the tree most typical of the forests of Pennsylvania; and 

Whereas, The hemlock yielded to our pioneers the wood from which they wrought their cabin homes; and

Whereas, The hemlock gave its bark to found a mighty industry;  and

Whereas, The hemlock everywhere lends kindly shelter and sure haven to the wild things of forests; and

Whereas, The lighted hemlock at Christmas time dazzles the bright eyes of the child with an unguessed hope, and bears to the aged, in its leaves of evergreen, a sign and symbol of faith in immortality."

The eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), is not exclusive to our state, and it is also called Canada hemlock or hemlock spruce. It is a slow growing tree, and lives quite well in shady areas, unlike other trees. It can take 200 - 300 years for a hemlock to reach its maturity. The record height is 175 feet tall and seventy-six inches in diameter. This hemlock was used in the past in construction, and the tannin found in the bark was used to die leather goods. Today, the eastern hemlock is primarily a landscape tree. However, its main industrial use is for wood pulp, especially for newsprint. So thanks to the eastern hemlock, you can have your Sunday paper.

Just before the eastern hemlock was adopted as a state tree, the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) was introduced accidently in this country in the late 1920’s. Some thirty years later the HWA was seen in the East. It is a serious threat to our state symbol. Not being a native insect, it has few predators to keep the population in check. This insect can kill a tree in as little as four years.

The easiest way to tell if your eastern hemlock has HWA is to look at the branches. If you notice small white clumps, it may be HWA. Other symptoms include the needles that turn greyish green then drop off, and limb die back from the bottom up. Once the tree is weakened from HWA, it is vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

To help reduce the spread of HWA, do not place bird feeders in hemlocks as they will use the bird to hitchhike to other eastern hemlocks. If you have an infected tree, do not fertilize it. Research has shown nitrogen fertilizers enhance the insect and doubles its reproductive rate.

The homeowner can attempt to manage the pest. The newly hatched nymphs are unprotected and exposed. Once the HWA is under those white cottony-masses, it is difficult to treat. So with timed applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, the eastern hemlock can be treated. A licensed commercial applicator can use stronger pesticides to manage the insect. It is important to remember that treatment is lifelong for the tree. Continued applications must be applied. 

For more information on the hemlock woolly adelgid, contact the Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County at 570-963-6842 or email: LackawannaMG@psu.edu  We have a free factsheet on this insect.

Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State e Extension
 Lackawanna County

Pansies

The calendar does actually say winter is officially over. But, as experience has shown us, the weather is very unpredictable. Some areas just this week had snow, rain, and sun all in one day. Mother nature pays no attention to what month it is. The home landscape this time of year is in need of cheering up. There are better and brighter days ahead even though things look dirty and old. It would be nice to see some color around the yard.

Right now, at your local garden center, you can have your choice of a host of colors, as greenhouses are full of pansies. Few other flowers give you the wide variety of colors and excellent weather tolerance than pansies do.

Throughout the world, there are almost 500 species of pansies with three different patterns:
The single color, or often referred to as “clear” type; single color with black radiating from the center; and “face” type - these have dark centers. You will also find single, semi double, and full double blooms. Most often you find a mix of all these kinds in packs or trays.

Johnny Jump-ups are closely related to pansies. They have much smaller blooms, come in fewer colors, and can tolerate warmer temperatures. As a result, they will bloom longer in the season than regular pansies.

Pansies can be planted outside as soon as the soil can be worked and loosened. They usually can handle a frost, and once established, can survive a freeze. Considered biennials, you may see them again, as they will re-seed themselves to complete their life cycle. Pansies prefer part sun to shade locations. This will also keep them blooming longer than in direct sun. Continually dead-heading or removing spent blooms will encourage new flowers to form. Pansies perform well in containers and baskets. They are an easy choice for a deck or porch if do not want to toil in the soil so early in the season. Another advantage to pansies is they are very disease resistant so you can have a healthy looking yard when everything else is still dormant.

An additional benefit of pansies is a fun activity: collect and press the blooms. You can make it an easy family adventure. Starting at your local greenhouse, pick the color combination everyone likes, take them home and plant them. Once they are in full bloom, you pick them and preserve them through pressing.

For more information on pansies, and pressing them, contact the Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County at 570-963-6842 or email: LackawannaMG@psu.edu, and request the “Pansy: Home Grown Facts” publication.


Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Extension
 Lackawanna County