Maintenance Landscaping Design

Tamarack tree is a species of deciduous tree in the pine family. It is native to North America, where it is distributed from Newfoundland to Alberta. It is also known as American larch, eastern larch, or Hackmatack.

Also called

• American larch
  
• hackmatack
  
• juniper
  
• spruce
  
• tamarisk

Basic info

• The tamarack tree is a deciduous conifer that is native to North America.
  
• The tamarack tree is also known as the American larch.
  
• The tamarack tree can grow to be 60 feet tall.
  
• The tamarack tree has needles that are 1-2 inches long.
  
• The tamarack tree's needles turn yellow in the fall.
  
• The tamarack tree's cones are brown and 2-3 inches long.
  
• The tamarack tree's bark is reddish-brown and scaly.
  
• The tamarack tree grows in wetter areas such as bogs and swamps.
  
• The tamarack tree is the state tree of Minnesota.
  
• The tamarack tree is an important source of food and shelter for many animals.

How to Grow

1. For tamarack tree, first step is to find a spot in the garden that gets full sun.
   
2. Choose a tamarack tree that is young and has a healthy root system.
   
3. Fill a planting hole with well-draining soil.
   
4. Gently remove the tree from its container and position it in the planting hole.
   
5. Backfill the planting hole with soil, tamping it down around the tree.
   
6. Water the tree deeply.
   
7. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk.
   
8. Fertilize the tree in spring and summer.
   
9. Prune the tree as needed to shape it and remove any diseased or dead branches.
   
10. Enjoy your tamarack tree!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, tamarack tree grows in a bog with acidic water seepage. The needles of the tamarack tree are an important source of tannin, used for tanning hides. The tree also yields a hard, yellowish-brown wood, used for railroad ties, posts, and poles. The tamarack tree is a deciduous conifer that is common in the northern hemisphere.

Light condition

Just like other coniferous trees, the tamarack tree needs full sun to grow well. It is a hardy tree that can withstand colder temperatures and does not need much water. The tamarack tree is a good choice for landscaping in colder climates.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the tamarack tree is very cold. The tamarack tree is a coniferous tree that is native to North America. The tamarack tree is very hardy and can withstand very cold temperatures. The tamarack tree is often found in areas that are cold and snowy. The tamarack tree is an important tree in the forest ecosystem.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. The best way to increase the humidity around your plant is to group it with other plants, or to use a pebble tray. A pebble tray is a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant food is very important to a Tamarack tree. The roots of the tree will grow deep and strong with the right mix of fertilizer, giving the tree the ability to withstand high winds and harsh winters. Tamarack trees are known for their hardiness, and a big part of that is having deep, strong roots.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a tamarack tree is important to its health and appearance. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Also, remove any branches that are rubbing together. This will help the tree to grow evenly and keep it looking its best.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically by seed, which is sown in spring, though it can also be done by taking root cuttings in late winter. The challenge in growing tamarack lies in its need for well-drained, acidic soil; too much moisture and it will succumb to root rot. It is also susceptible to damage from deer and rabbits.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the first 10 to 20 years is slow, with an average of only 10 to 15cm per year. However, once the tree reaches about 20 years of age, the growth rate picks up and can be quite fast, with some trees adding as much as 60 to 90cm per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, canker, and drought. Caterpillars are the most common problem, and they can be controlled with insecticides. Canker is a fungal disease that affects the bark and can kill the tree. Drought is a problem in dry areas, and the tree will need to be watered regularly.

List to Know

• If you live in an area with a short growing season, start your tamarack tree indoors in a pot.
  
• Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes in the bottom.
  
• Use a well-draining potting mix designed for trees.
  
• Water your tamarack tree regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize your tree every few weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• When your tree is about 6 inches tall, it is time to transplant it into the ground.
  
• Choose a spot for your tree that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
  
• Set the tree in the hole and fill in with soil, tamping it down gently.
  
• Water your tree

Substitution

• arborvitae
  
• aspen
  
• beech
  
• birch
  
• cedar
  
• elm
  
• fir
  
• hemlock
  
• maple
  
• oak
  

Source:
Tamarack – Natural Lands - St. Olaf College
Tamarack -- Not A Dead Spruce | Geophysical Institute
Larix laricina Tamarack - University of Wisconsin–La Crosse