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EASTERN HEMLOCK (Tsuga canadensis)
Other names: hemlock, hemlock spruce, spruce pine,.

EXCELLENT

A tree found in the Great Lakes and northeastern states, the eastern hemlock is a much more hardy tree than its western relative. The bark is much thicker and the tree is relatively free from loss by decay and fungus. It may reach 600 years of age and worst enemies are logging and fire. If the tree has died and fallen the dried blaze face may still remain. The rolled stump is reddish brown and discolors the soil. A stump hole may be 12" to 18" deep with a row of hard hemlock knots where the log has decayed. The wood decays quite rapidly but wet ground conditions will preserve the stump. The inner bark is a reddish cinnamon color which would aid in identification. The sound wood in a decaying tree is very hard
and ill-smelling. 

When marking for a bearing tree select the younger trees 6" to 12" diameter and avoid the knots with the blazing for they are very hard, like flint. Keep the blaze small, well drained, and paint thoroughly for there is no resin flow from the hemlocks. The sap is watery.