help please. larch needles going brown!

[tismeisthatu]

Hi guys, as the title says I'm after a little advice regarding some of my larch trees. A few of them have needles turning brown at the tips. But it's not all over the tree, just on certain branches. I have recently repotted the tree's (this spring), but I haven't done anything different than I normally do. I've used the same type of soil & the feed is the same. Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[october]

I am not a larch expert. However, this is probably either fungal or repotting stress. I think it might be repotting stress. Although both can be serious, if it is stress from root pruning and repotting, this is a big issue. It will now be up to the tree to try to stabilize. If it cannot, the tree might not survive.

When did you repot? You need to repot just when the buds start to swell. After they open and start growing, it is too late to repot.

Rob

 

[frozenlarch]

I've had this happen with a few of my collected trees. Chances are it's just unhappy with having its roots disturbed. Might not hurt to keep it out of direct sunlight until it starts pushing new growth, and try not to over-water (misting is acceptable).
Larch are a very hearty species, and in my experience, quite difficult to kill. I have no doubt it'll rebound back.

Out of curiosity, how has the weather been? Any cooler than usual?

 

[tismeisthatu]

I am not a larch expert. However, this is probably either fungal or repotting stress. I think it might be repotting stress. Although both can be serious, if it is stress from root pruning and repotting, this is a big issue. It will now be up to the tree to try to stabilize. If it cannot, the tree might not survive.

When did you repot? You need to repot just when the buds start to swell. After they open and start growing, it is too late to repot.

Rob

It sounds like I did the repotting at the right time then Rob. The buds were just starting to swell. As I said I have repotted these larch before & had no problems. . Although I possibly may have watered it little to much as I've recently read that larch don't like being dry. Is this not right? I have everything crossed at the moment as I really don't want to lose these trees. Thank you for your reply

 

[october]

After trees are root pruned, they tend to not take in as much water. However, new soil can dry out pretty fast, so it is something that you have to keep an eye on. I am not sure of the watering requirements for larch.

One good thing is that it is only sections that seem to be dying on the tree. However, when the whole tree turns a different color (out of the ordinary color) or becomes pale, then the tree is dead.

Rob

 

[tismeisthatu]

I've had this happen with a few of my collected trees. Chances are it's just unhappy with having its roots disturbed. Might not hurt to keep it out of direct sunlight for a week or two, and try not to over-water (misting is acceptable).
Larch are a very hearty species, and in my experience, quite difficult to kill. I have no doubt it'll rebound back.

Out of curiosity, how has the weather been? Any cooler than usual?

The weather has been normal actually, some days sunny some days wet but thats Cornwall for you. It sounds like I may have been over watering them & as a precaution I've kept them out of the rain for the last 2 days & under shelter. Fingers crossed for them.

 

[tismeisthatu]

After trees are root pruned, they tend to not take in as much water. However, new soil can dry out pretty fast, so it is something that you have to keep an eye on. I am not sure of the watering requirements for larch.

One good thing is that it is only sections that seem to be dying on the tree. However, when the whole tree turns a different color (out of the ordinary color) or becomes pale, then the tree is dead.

Rob

Arrrrrgggghhhhhhhh I really hope thats not gonna happen

 

[october]

Probably not.. Sometimes with conifers, they look fine, no dead parts etc. Then, you look a few days later and the whole tree looks a bit pale. Then it is too late. This tree is letting you know it is sick, but wants to survive.

We still should not rule out a fungus. We will have to wait to hear other opinions.

Rob

 

[tmmason10]

I gotta be honest, I'd keep an eye on things but I wouldn't be too concerned. I have seen similar signs on my larch and it is probably a bit stressed is all. I'd be more worried if you don't see vigorous shoots coming out of the middle of those bracts this summer though.

 

[tmmason10]

Also, are pics of the whole tree available? I love larches.

 

[tismeisthatu]

Also, are pics of the whole tree available? I love larches.

Yes I will put them up soon. I've got a busy day tomorrow but I will do it the day after, but there only just beginning there journey, so don't expect to much from them!!

 

[JudyB]

I would also think that it was the repot. Hopefully it will only affect that one branch. I've had the same thing happen, and only loose one branch. Perhaps that branch was weak, and the repot did it in. Keep us updated, and good luck.

 

[Beng]

If you severely root pruned this spring you can't keep it in full sun right now, the tips will turn brown and the tree will decline. The reason is that with most trees if you root prune hard in the spring the roots can't support the foliage. The tree will grow fine new roots, but often after a bare root session the tree can't fully support itself on it's current roots if it's being blasted by sun for 12+ hours a day. Keep it in a spot that gets sun from say sunrise till 12 and then shade for the rest of the day. This will give it time to regain it's root system and vigor. Don't overwater now as it's not as thirsty as others mentioned since it's focusing on roots not foliage right now. Once it's regrown it's roots and is looking healthy then you can slowly move it back to full sun in steps. Larch is somewhat shade tolerant and will appreciate the bed rest till it's up to the chore of thriving in all day sun.

 

[ghues]

What they said......and......my recently repotted Larch.... I dont start fertilizing until the end of the summer......
Also its only early May and most branches have set bud already..... which is early so when they do that they are retreating and reserving the carbs as they could be concentrating on putting on roots (hopefully).
Keep it in the shade and dont overwater.
Good luck and keep us posted on its progress.
Cheers Graham