The tamarack is used in ornamental horticulture to add four-season interest to a landscape in colder regions.
Then, its needles re-emerge in a blue-green hue for the spring and summer.
Every year those lovely falling needles create a fine mulch that is pleasing to the eye and completely sustainable.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
One downside to the tamarack is that it may be too large to fit some people’s properties.
If you are worried about this, the solution is out there.
Tamarack trees are completely intolerant of shade, so it’s important to clear out competing trees or shrubs.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Making sure that your tree can grow in direct sun should help to provide adequate spacing.
Place it at least 15 feet from any other trees.
It will not tolerate being overly dry, so keeping the soil beneath it moist is important.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
On initial planting, adding two to three inches ofgood organic mulchto the dripline will help retain moisture.
The tree needs cool weather during the summers and can handle extreme colds during the winters.
It is always a good idea to take a cue from nature.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Small tamarack cultivars have been bred that are good even for a small, narrow yard.
Most cultivars and dwarf varieties are propagated by grafting, which is also not easily feasible for home gardeners.
Choose a large deep planter with adequate drainage and fill it with well-draining high-quality potting soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Heavyweight planters work best as they are less likely to topple over.
Terra-cotta works well because it wicks away extra moisture.
Overwintering
Tamarack is well-adapted to harsh winters and does not need any winter protection.
If the wounds are severe enough, they can be fatal.
There is no chemical treatment for the larch casebearer, but there are numerous biological controls.
Luckily, casebearer damage is rarely fatal for a tree.
Then, to create the lowest impact, treat the tree withinsecticidal soaporhorticultural oil.
You should reapply as needed.
It is a larch (Larix), a conifer that loses its needles in the winter.
Tamarack trees need space and do not like competition.
It will require a good amount of space between it and any other trees to thrive.
In nature, tamaracks grow in wet areas such as bogs or swamps.
Planting it in an area that gets moisture that replicates these conditions will be best for the tree.
The tree produces both male and female cones on the same tree.
