Jedelloh Canadian Hemlock needle loss - Ask Extension
We have (2) Jedelloh Canadian Hemlock shrubs that I planted (7) years ago. Each year they have shown needle loss. The plants have struggled, but have ...
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Jedelloh Canadian Hemlock needle loss #873927
Asked June 20, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT
We have (2) Jedelloh Canadian Hemlock shrubs that I planted (7) years ago. Each year they have shown needle loss. The plants have struggled, but have not died, although they always appear to be on the verge of dieing. They are planted on the north side of the house so they receive limited sun and I fertilize with Holly Tone and water them when it is very dry.
I've attached a photo of each one showing their state.
Do you have any idea of what the problem might be and what I can do about it?
Thanks,
Mike Kremer
Butler County Ohio
Expert Response
Thanks for contacting OSU Extension. I have reviewed your pictures and description. After taking a look at a few things, I have a few theories.
1. First they do not like drought so they need watered but not soaked. The soil can be moist but not wet.
2. The dying needles could be fungal. The plant likes to be in the shade but that can result in too much humidity around it and not enough air flow to dry needles out, leading to disease. Water only base of plant to prevent foliar disease, no water on needles.
3. This plant likes acidic ph. Have you had your soil tested? It could be something as simple as the site condition not be conducive for quality plant growth.
4. Send a sample to the The Ohio State University, C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. They will 100% ID the issue and then we can put a plan in place to care.
See below for resources.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tsuga-canadensis-jeddeloh/ Jeddeloh Canadian Hemlock Info
https://ppdc.osu.edu/ OSU, C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
https://butler.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing-field-and-crop Soil Testing
JT Benitez
OSUE ANR Educator
Butler CO.
1. First they do not like drought so they need watered but not soaked. The soil can be moist but not wet.
2. The dying needles could be fungal. The plant likes to be in the shade but that can result in too much humidity around it and not enough air flow to dry needles out, leading to disease. Water only base of plant to prevent foliar disease, no water on needles.
3. This plant likes acidic ph. Have you had your soil tested? It could be something as simple as the site condition not be conducive for quality plant growth.
4. Send a sample to the The Ohio State University, C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. They will 100% ID the issue and then we can put a plan in place to care.
See below for resources.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tsuga-canadensis-jeddeloh/ Jeddeloh Canadian Hemlock Info
https://ppdc.osu.edu/ OSU, C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
https://butler.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing-field-and-crop Soil Testing
JT Benitez
OSUE ANR Educator
Butler CO.
Thank you for your reply and the information!
Mike Kremer
