Keep a close watch on how close the wooly adelgid has approached. You may have to start a spray program to keep the trees.

Living in the midst of a hemlock forest, I seldom transplant them, but I have. They're easy. They need a humus-rich soil that never dries out but drains readily. Just duplicate their native habitats. They're shallow rooted, so they transplant easilyÂand topple just as easily, so you might want to stake them until their root systems re-establish themselves, especially if they are in a windy area. Keep them well watered until the ground freezes. Come spring, you shouldn't have to do anything, although a thin mulch of shredded leaves, hemlock "needles" or compost should be beneficial.

Depending on where you acquired your trees you may have helped spread a fungus that is eradicating hemlock though out the NE.At this time it is moving though the Catskills.If you found these trees on state land you broke the law. You can not take plants from state land.While we all mean well we have to think of the outcome before we act.ie Dutch elm.

The wooly aldegid is an insect that is spreading, unfortunately, well on it's own (wind, birds, mammals).
If you do see the wooly looking (think very small Q-Tip)small bugs at the branch meets needle area, easiest, safest method is to use horticultural oil or soap to kill them. Homeowners can buy the stuff at any garden store, it has been used safely for a long time in gardens. It only works if you are infested, this stuff is not a repelent. Do a search to find out more about application.

I have yet to see them in my neck of the Catskills.

I too have many transplanted hemlock on my property. They grow quickly and can be trimmed to fit your needs. I used to gently rip them off of the rocky soil, and dig a shallow hole and of all the trees I planted, I believe all are still out there! (think weeds)
State Land - ba! there goes more hard earned tax money.