The Difference Between Eastern Hemlocks & Eastern Pines

Growing Range

• Both eastern hemlocks and eastern pines grow well in regions with cool, humid climates and good precipitation. Their original range generally extends from parts of the northern Midwest to the northeastern United States and into Canada, and down through the mid-Atlantic states and into the southeastern states. The population of eastern hemlock decreased significantly during the 1900s because of overharvesting, failure to regenerate and its slow rate of growth. Agencies in some areas restrict cutting of this tree.

Needles and Cones

• The eastern hemlock has short, flat needles, generally 1/3 to 2/3 of an inch long. Its cones also are small, about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch, and they mature in the fall. The eastern pine has thin, round needles, ranging from 3 to 5 inches long. The needles grow in bundles of five. Eastern pine cones grow up to 7 inches long, with thick, rounded scales, and mature in late summer.

Growth Rate

• Eastern hemlock is a slow-growing tree. It can take up to 300 years to reach maturity. According to the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, some 100-year-old eastern hemlocks are less than 1 inch in diameter at breast height, which is 4 1/2 feet high. In contrast, eastern white pine is one of the fastest growing northern conifers, although its height growth is slow for the first two or three years. Between 10 and 15 years of age, height growth may be as fast as 3 feet per year. Depending on the eastern pine's age and environment, diameter growth ranges from 1 inch per year to 1 inch in 40 years.

Usage

• Dense stands of eastern hemlock are valuable as wildlife habitat. They provide shelter for animals and birds, such as white-tailed deer, pheasants, ruffed grouse and wild turkeys. Homeowners also enjoy eastern hemlock as ornamental plants, as the tree has pleasing color, is relatively resistant to insects and disease, and adapts well to shearing into cone shapes, columns and hedges. Because of its fast growth, eastern white pine is good for landscaping projects, and it's also a common choice for Christmas trees.