How likely is it that a tree branch falling on top of a hedge row of conifer trees would kill them?

Question

neighbor took down a bradford pear tree and one of the larger branches must have hit the top portion and knocked off two feet of the top portion of two of the Tsuga Canadensis (Canadian Hemlocks).

this was about a couple of weeks ago.

since then they have seemed to become slightly discoloured and turning yellow portions are. dont know if it is due more to the stress from the hot , dry weather (even though they have been watered reguraly every few days) or due to the damage from the tree.

think they did this last summer a bit, but was concerned as to the liklihood that it is due to the tree branch falling on them and knocking the top portion off and breaking them.

is this possible?

why so?

Thanks for your answers!

btw, the trees were planted a year and a half ago.

Answer 1

They could be going into shock from the damage, sure it's not horrible damage but minor changes can throw something like that off.  Also, the tree that came down might have been infested with anything from nats to flys and they could be on your plants now.

If they still look bad or get worse by next week, go find some shock treatment for you plants.

Answer 2

You didn't say how tall the hemlocks were to start with but I have seen Hemlock trees in the wild regrow after all of the trunk being cut except for a portion with a couple of lower branches.  I would guess you need to look for another reason for the problem.  Canadian, or Eastern Hemlock naturally grows in cool and humid/damp climates so the heat may certainly be a factor.