Health of our large hemlock tree

Question: Hi We have a large Hemlock tree in our yard. 
2 years ago in the August storm we lost several large Maple trees around the Hemlock.
We are concerned that Hemlock may have stated to uproot a little bit. 
Since the storm, the Hemlock appears to be getting thinner in its branches in the upper half of the tree.

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 13, 2023, 8:13 PM EDT
response: Hello Greg The sudden exposure to more sun may be why your top branches have a different looking form than the lower ones. Take binoculars and look at the top branches. Can you see any discoloration, any white spots, clumps, or bumps? Do the needles at the top look healthy, normal length and shape, normal color? Do you see any breaks in branches, bark, or oozing sap? Is the tree tilting, are any roots raised up out of the ground? If you see off-color needles, bumps or other oddities, compare to the links below on pests/diseases. You can hire a certified arborist to come on site and evaluate the tree from roots to top and give you a plan of action for any treatments needed. Find them by zip code search here www.treesaregood.org Hemlocks are tolerant of shade and grow well in part shade. They can do well in sun, but a sudden change is a stress on the tree for some time. With good care, and barring any disease, insect pests, or roots heaved up it should adjust.  Care: Mulch out to the farthest reaching branches, 2-3 inches deep, and keep mulch pulled away from the trunk to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. When watering keep the trunk and branches dry( soaker hose is best for this). Water early in the day so anything that gets wet above the soil is dry by nightfall, to minimize growth of fungi.  Hemlocks are not tolerant of drought when in full sun. Be sure to water the tree the equivalent of 1 inch of water per week while we are in drought conditions. This will reduce the stress on the tree from the lack of rainfall. To properly water a tree, thoroughly soak the entire area under the branches of the tree. Apply one or two inches of water twice a week when no rain is expected. If you use a sprinkler, you can place a flat-bottomed baking dish in the area being watered and watch the level to determine when 1 to 2" of water has been applied. More details on watering established trees is here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs#when-to-water-trees-and-shrubs-1261760 If your soil is clay you will have to check soil carefully, since clay retains water for longer than loam or sand. You do not want constantly wet, sticky soil but well-drained soil in the root zone. Here are references including some things to watch on hemlocks. Culture information: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tsuga-canadensis/ http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g100 Pests, diseases: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef452 https://extension.psu.edu/hemlock-diseases

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 7:03 AM EDT
response: Good morningJust following up on our original question.Thank you in advance for your help. Greg Clark On Tue, Jun 13, 2023, 18:09 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Dear Greg, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0105417: Health of our large hemlock tree Hi We have a large Hemlock tree in our yard. 2 years ago in the August storm we lost several large Maple trees around the Hemlock. We are concerned that Hemlock may have stated to uproot a little bit. Since the storm, the Hemlock appears to be getting thinner in its branches in the upper half of the tree. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 22, 2023, 7:21 AM EDT
response: You are welcome, glad to help. Laura