Coastal Hemlock

A large tree, it usually grows 30 to 50 metres tall. It has a rather narrow crown and conspicuously drooping new growth at the top of the tree. It has mostly down-sweeping branches and delicate feathery foliage.

The Coastal Western Hemlock Zone stretches in a broad swath along the province’s entire coast. The zone covers most lower elevations west of the Coast Mountains, from the very wet and exposed outer coast to drier and more sheltered areas of the inner coast. The zone also extends east of the Coast Mountains along major river valleys

Western Hemlock and Amabilis fir are difficult to distinguish visually in lumber form and are marketed together. The wood is light in colour with a pinkish to reddish-brown tinge. The annual rings are distinct and the transition from earlywood to latewood is subtle. It has a straight, even grain with a medium to fine texture.

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Application

Physical properties for both species are similar. The wood is moderately hard and strong with high bending strength, shear strength and stiffness. It is slightly resistant to decay and very easy to treat. Pacific Coast Hemlock dries slowly, holds its shape well during the process, and exhibits little tendency to check. It machines satisfactorily, sands smoothly, glues easily, and has high nail and screw holding ability. Its painting and staining characteristics are very good.

Widely available in all domestic and export markets. Primary products in different metric and imperial sizes and lengths. Cut stock, patterned stock, mouldings, flooring, panelling, doors and door components, window components, staircase components, ladder stock, turning square blanks, finished boards, veneer.

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