Hemlock

Hemlock, Hembal, Pacific Coast Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

Fir, Larch

Western North America

Mainly, Hemlock is growing close to the Pacific coast between Sonoma County in the north of California and the Prince William Sound in Alaska. In the heartland, this species can be found less often, although the natural growing region reaches all the way up to the Rocky Mountains. The trees can reach heights of up to 70 m.

Hemlock provides one of the best wood for the pulp and paper industries. It is also very well-suited for the use as construction wood for interiors. It is used for example for frames, windows, doors and as special wood for sauna rooms and kitchens. It is also in demand as veneer for furniture manufacturing, however, in quantities not worth mentioning.

The trees of the Tsuga species rarely occur in pure monocultures, but often grow together with tree species such as the Oregon Pine, Sitka Spruce or the Western Red Cedar. As with the common fir tree, pitch streaks are missing. Hemlock is only slightly stable and not very weather resistant. Without chemical wood preservation, it is prone to pest infestation.

Hemlock can be worked well. The wood only has a slight tendency to develop splinters and can easily be sawn, planed, grinded and drilled.

In general, good results can be achieved when drying is carried out slowly. However, it is recommended to constantly monitor the drying process. The wood shows good stability.

Hemlock takes coating very well and can be stained in all colors. In order to obtain smooth surfaces, sharp tools need to be used. When used outdoors, it is a must to apply chemical wood protection, since weathering leads to the development of wood-destroying fungi.

Products of this wood species can be glued well without any difficulty.