Western hemlock
At Caerhays we have used T. heterophylla in over mature deciduous or native woodland as defence against salt laden westerly gales. Where there is enough light for the tree to grow successfully it quickly establishes itself in dappled shade and its broad spreading branches soon develop into an effective windbreak.
This is a tall growing conifer which originates from western North America where its timber value is considerable. Although upright the tree needs space to grow and develop to the 70-100ft in height with a spread of 20-30ft which it will achieve in our climate. The bark is an attractive cracked purple-brown and the leaves are marked on their undersides with two white bands. The female cones are ovoid and about 1in long.
Propagation from seeds sown in a cold frame in spring is fairly straightforward. If you intend to grow this as a graceful specimen tree on its own rather than as a shelter belt be certain to give it plenty of space.
