Watering larch

• Larch origin
• Larch care and location
• Cutting larch
• Watering larch
• Fertilizing larch

Larch origin

The European larch (Larix decidua) is a deciduous conifer and is a genus within the pine family. It is native to Europe and is found mainly in mountainous regions. The European larch is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 40 m tall. It has a slender, pyramid-shaped crown and long, narrow branches.

In mythology, the larch was often considered a symbol of immortality and eternity. It was often used in ceremonies and rituals and was considered a sacred tree.

The European larch is now often used as an ornamental plant or as a raw material for wood processing. It is also an important food source for wildlife and insects.
The needles of the European larch are about 3 cm long and blue-green in color. They are on the branches in spring and fall off in autumn, making the larch one of the two non-evergreen genera of the pine family.
The male and female flowers are found on different trees and appear in spring. The male flowers are small and delicate, while the female flowers are larger and more showy.
The fruits of the European larch are small, dioecious cones that ripen in autumn.

Larch care and location

The perfect location for the European larch is sunny to partially shaded and the soil should be well-drained and nutrient-rich. Larches prefer a pH-neutral to slightly acidic soil and also tolerate drought well. However, they are sensitive to waterlogging and should therefore be planted in well-drained locations. The European larch is hardy and does not require any special care.

Cutting larch

Pruning should be done regularly to keep the tree in shape and encourage growth. The best time for pruning is at the start of the new growth period in spring. Old and damaged branches are removed to rejuvenate the larch. Crown pruning shapes the crown of the tree and controls growth.

Watering larch

In general, larches are undemanding trees that can adapt well to their location. However, they prefer calcareous, sandy soils and a location in a sunny to partially shaded spot.
Climate change is leading to hotter temperatures and longer dry periods in our regions, which has an impact on the environment and especially on trees. Depending on the location and climatic conditions, it may be necessary to water the trees more frequently than in the past.
The water needs of larch trees can vary depending on the species, size and location. In general, however, larch trees have medium water needs and can thrive in areas with low rainfall as long as they are watered regularly. Larches are generally well adapted to dry soils, but they do need adequate water during the growing season. Watering the larch should be done regularly during the growing season, especially during extended dry periods. The soil around the plant should be kept moist, but not wet. The soil should be watered thoroughly and only re-moistened when it becomes drier again.
There are different types of larch trees, each with different root systems. Some types of larch have deep roots, while others are more shallow-rooted. Very dry soil can cause root damage in shallow-rooted varieties. When watering with a garden hose, only a fraction of the water is absorbed by the tree. Significant amounts seep into the soil or evaporate before it can be absorbed by the roots.
An efficient way of irrigation is to use tree bath water bagsn, which release the water drop by drop to the larch over a period of hours. Attaching and filling the water bags is simple and self-explanatory. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and closed with a zip. Next, the bag is filled with enough water that after further alignment no folds are visible in the lower area. Once the watering bag is in the right position, it is filled completely. The bag provides young trees with sufficient water.
In order to water larger trees sufficiently during very dry periods, it is possible to connect two or more watering bags together.

Fertilizing larch

A mulch layer of bark compost or other material in the root area of ​​larch trees is helpful in keeping the soil moist. Mulching also helps cool the soil and thereby protect the roots from overheating. Mulch can also inhibit weed growth by blocking the light from the weeds and making it difficult for the weeds to access oxygen. Mulch should not be applied too thickly and should be kept at a sufficient distance from the trunk of the tree to avoid damage.