How to prune carolina hemlock

Late spring to early summer after the new pale-green flush has expanded. Shear hedges lightly within the new season's growth, keeping a wider-at-base taper for even light penetration. On specimens, prune dead or crossing branches back to the collar. Carolina Hemlock tolerates cuts into second-year wood, so mild restorative pruning is possible if a hedge becomes too open or leggy.

Annually for hedges; as-needed for specimens. Carolina Hemlock is an adaptable, slower-growing hemlock that responds well to clipping and can form an excellent formal hedge or screen. As a specimen it needs almost no pruning — just remove dead wood annually. Its tolerance for shearing makes it more versatile than many conifers, though the natural, irregular habit is also beautiful left alone.

Shear hedges lightly within the new season's growth, keeping a wider-at-base taper for even light penetration. On specimens, prune dead or crossing branches back to the collar. Carolina Hemlock tolerates cuts into second-year wood, so mild restorative pruning is possible if a hedge becomes too open or leggy.