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Unlike other representatives of evergreen conifers, larches turn yellow and shed their needles every autumn, as well as when certain adverse factors occur. This natural feature is very unusual and has several reasons and explanations.
Do larch needles fall off
Larches are durable and hardy trees. These plants are able to adapt to various natural factors and quickly cover all new territories. The needles of the culture have the appearance of needle-shaped leaves of different lengths. They are soft, unlike spruce and pine needles, as they do not have rigid mechanical tissue inside. Like all deciduous plants, larch turns yellow every autumn and sheds a green outfit, for which it got its name.
In spring, it is covered with young bright green leaves, which over time change shade to dark: in this way, the needles become more like needles. Cones appear on the branches of the plant. Their size and number depend on climatic conditions and the region of growth. In autumn, larch turns yellow and falls off, covering the soil with a beautiful lemon-yellow carpet. All winter the trees stand with bare branches.
In winter, buds reappear on the branches, similar to small spherical tubercles: in appearance they differ from the buds of other conifers. With the advent of spring, shoots that are not similar from each other appear from them. The uppermost bud produces a long stem with single needles. From the lateral buds, when blooming, a short bundle is formed, uniting many small needles growing in different directions. The stem is not developed here, and soft needles are closely collected at one point. In one bundle there are several dozen needles.
Why larch sheds needles for the winter
It is assumed that in ancient times larch was evergreen. But, having got into the regions of the far north, which are distinguished by a harsh climate, she was forced to turn yellow in order to adapt to new conditions in this way. Larch sheds needles for the winter in order to reduce water evaporation during the cold period. The tree goes into economy, because in winter the soil freezes through, and the roots of the plant are not able to extract enough moisture.
In addition, the needles themselves contain a certain amount of water, which helps them stay soft and fluffy. The surface of the needles, which protects the plant from moisture loss, has a very thin protective layer that helps to adapt only to the warm season. Before the onset of cold weather, the larch turns yellow, the leaves fall from the tree to prevent it from freezing.
Causes of yellowing needles in summer
Unlike deciduous trees, larch is very rarely exposed to pathogenic microorganisms due to the fact that it contains phenolic, tannins and resins. However, like any other plant, larch can still be exposed to various diseases and pests, as a result of which its needles can turn yellow even before the onset of autumn. In the case of a disease, putrefactive bacteria and fungi primarily affect the needles. Most often, larch is attacked by the following diseases and pests:
- Sew the mushroom infects trees in May-June in conditions of high humidity. At the same time, larch turns yellow. The disease can be identified by the appearance of red-brown spots on the tips of coniferous leaves. The larch needles are falling off. To protect the plants, from July to September, the crowns are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid or 2% colloidal sulfur.
- Fungus Melampsoridium leads to rust. The needles of the plant turn yellow and become stained. In order to prevent trees sprayed with fungicides. In addition, they try not to plant larch next to birch, which is an intermediary in the transfer of the fungus.
- Aphid-hermes – a kind of insect that sucks juice from young needles. The needles turn yellow, dry out and fall off. Individuals of spruce-deciduous Hermes form green growths on the shoots – galls resembling velvet. The needles turn yellow at the site of aphids sucking, deform and twist. Shoots with such growths always die. In the fight against Hermes, insecticides containing mineral oils will help. These substances are able to dissolve the protective wax shell of pests.
To care for a tree, you must follow the basic rules:
- Larch should be watered and fed in a timely manner, broken, dried branches and falling needles should be removed so that parasitic insects do not start in it.
- Damage to the bark must be covered.
- The soil is recommended to loosen and mulch with hay, peat, sand, sawdust, manure.
Conclusion
Larches turn yellow at different times of the year for various reasons. These can be natural processes, as well as a consequence of the impact of adverse factors. Young seedlings retain green needles throughout the year. Mature larch trees drop their needles in winter in order to acquire a new green outfit in spring, which will delight with a spectacular view until autumn. If the crowns of plants turn yellow in summer, it means that larch needs protection and treatment with special means from various pathogens.
