How Tall are Eastern Hemlocks?

Eastern Hemlock approx. 60' - Taconic Lake, Town of Grafton

Eastern Hemlocks define the Rensselaer Plateau. I was gazing at our hemlocks the other day and just in awe at how tall they are. I tried a method I learned in the boy scouts years ago and quickly learned that the largest ones are in the neighborhood of 60 feet, with most around the lake running 40-60'. The tallest hemlock on record is 173 feet high.

These magnificent trees are at risk. In the Appalachian mountains, the introduced Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid) has been decimating populations of Eastern Hemlock. See a posting from last year, Hemlock Disease, to learn more. And keep an eye out for signs of the Woolly Adelgid since it's of the utmost importance to nip any infestation in the bud. Also, check out the interactive image at Hemlock Diebackin the Smoky Mountains to get a eyeful of the dangerous consequences.

How to Measure a Tree

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel