Question
Hello Edward,

I planted hemlocks (shrub grade) as a property line fence about 40+ years ago.  When they were planted they were only about 2 feet high.  They grew to be great looking and I kept them trimmed, sides and tops.  But, over the years I let them get too high, they are 12 feet high now, and they are also about 12 feet wide.  Some of them are losing their growth at the bottom, dead branches about 3-4 feet up from the ground.  My wife says she would like to cut them down.  Is there any way to get them to look decent again?  Someone suggested removing at least 2 feet from the tops, and another said this will kill them.  Any suggestions?  Thanks, Clark K.

Answer
Clark,

You can reduce the size of these plants by up to a third without doing too much serious damage. I would not recommend it if they are already starting to limb themselves up. This is a normal process for the plants but one that is irreversible.

I would recommend reducing them by the 2 feet you mentioned, removing the dead lower limbs and giving them a good shot of fertilizer.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen