Your Larch

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Care For Me

Step 1: Select an Appropriate Site

- Choose a location with well-drained, moist soil (sandy or loamy) and full sun to partial shade.

- Ensure space for growth (up to 60-80 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide).

- Avoid waterlogged or overly dry sites.

Step 2: Prepare for Planting

- Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

Step 3: Plant the Seedling

- Place the seedling in the hole, keeping the root collar level with the soil surface.

- Backfill with native soil, gently firming to eliminate air pockets.

- Water deeply to settle the soil.

Step 4: Moose Protection

- Install a protective barrier:

- Use a 5-6 foot tall metal or heavy-duty plastic mesh cage, secured with stakes.

- Alternatively, wrap the trunk with burlap or plastic spiral guards to deter browsing.

- Inspect and adjust guards regularly as the tree grows.

Step 5: Watering and Mulching

- Water weekly during the first growing season (about 1 inch per week), especially in dry spells.

- Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., bark or wood chips) around the base, keeping it 2 inches from the trunk to avoid rot.

Step 6: Ongoing Care

- Fertilization: Skip fertilizer in the first year. In year two, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring if growth seems slow.

- Pruning: Prune dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring. Minimal pruning is typically needed.

- Pest/Disease Monitoring: Watch for larch sawfly or needle blight. Contact the Alaska Division of Forestry if issues appear.

Step 7: Winter Protection

- Wrap young trees with burlap in harsh Alaskan winters to protect against windburn and heavy snow.

- Maintain mulch layer to insulate roots during freezing temperatures.

Tips:

- Siberian larch is very cold-hardy (USDA Zones 2-6), ideal for Alaska’s climate.

- Check moose protection frequently, especially in fall when moose activity increases.

- For local guidance, consult the Alaska Division of Forestry or cooperative extension services.

Just for Fun

Fun Facts About Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica)

1. Deciduous Conifer: Unlike most conifers, Siberian larch sheds its soft, needle-like leaves annually, turning a stunning golden-yellow in fall before dropping, making it a unique "deciduous conifer."

2. Cold-Climate Champion: Siberian larch is one of the hardiest trees, thriving in Alaska’s frigid winters (down to USDA Zone 1), withstanding temperatures as low as -70°F in its native Siberian range.

3. Ancient Survivor: Some Siberian larches in Russia are over 900 years old, with their dense, rot-resistant wood earning them the nickname “ironwood” for enduring harsh conditions.

4. Wildlife Haven: Its seeds and foliage provide food for birds like finches and small mammals, while its dense stands offer shelter for wildlife in Alaska’s boreal forests.

5. Eco-Friendly Firewood: The wood burns hot and clean, making it a favorite for firewood in cold regions, and its durability is prized for construction, furniture, and even telegraph poles.

6. Carbon Sink Superstar: Siberian larch forests are excellent at sequestering carbon, playing a key role in mitigating climate change, especially in northern ecosystems like Alaska’s.