Unlike most evergreens, the larch doesn’t keep its needles all year round. Once autumn hits, this tree actually sheds its “coat.” If you’ve ever wondered why this happens or what makes these needles so unique, you’re in the right place! Understanding these quirks will help you take even better care of your larch.
Why the Larch Sheds Its Needles
The needles on a larch tree aren’t completely “sealed” like those on a pine or spruce. They have tiny pores that stay open, which means the tree constantly loses moisture through them. During the summer, this isn’t a problem at all. The larch has a massive root system that pulls plenty of water from the soil to make up for the loss.
However, winter is a different story. When the ground freezes, the tree can’t pull up nearly enough water to stay hydrated. If the larch kept its needles through the winter, it would eventually dry out and die. To protect itself, the larch plays it smart: it pulls the chlorophyll back into the branches, the needles turn yellow and dry out, and then the tree drops them entirely to conserve moisture.
The Seasonal Cycle of Larch Needles
Much like the leaves on a maple or oak, larch needles put on a color show throughout the year. In the spring, you’ll see soft, bright green new growth. As summer progresses, that green gets deeper and darker. By late autumn, the needles turn a beautiful golden-yellow to brown before finally falling off.
Quick Facts About Larch Needles:
- They usually grow in little tufts or clusters along the branches.
- They grow up to about 1.2 inches (30 mm) long.
- They are very slender, usually less than 0.03 inches (0.8 mm) wide.
- They have blunt tips and are soft and flexible to the touch (they don’t poke you!).
To make sure your larch grows a lush, healthy set of needles, choosing the right spot is key. These trees love moist, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. Most importantly, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight from all sides to keep its metabolism humming!
