I purchased a Tsuga canadensis today. It is about 4 feet tall and upon closer inspection, I realized that it has two leaders. I do understand it is typical for them to be multi-stemmed. Is it recommended that I prune the lesser one or leave its natural form? thanks very much!
Won't it be at risk from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid? Tsuga heterophylla shows greater resistance to this, as well as being a much more attractive tree.
I would like an upright growing tree Ron B. I am without foresight Michael F - I am on the west coast with an eastern sentiment for these trees. As far as I know the Wooly adelgid is not as much as a problem here as it is in eastern Canada. Tsuga heterophylla might be too fast growing and giant for my yard but I am planting the canadensis in a grove with my most favorite Tsuaga mertensiana!
Plant a smaller-growing cultivar, although often slower here than western hemlock normal seedling stock of the eastern species is large-growing also. One in Seattle's Volunteer Park was 87' tall several years ago.
