Dead or Alive European Larch?

[Walnutfever44315]

Can anyone help determine whether or not my three European Larch trees are dead? Any assistance or knowledge would be greatly valued. Thank you.

 

[Del_]

Larch lose there needles in the winter. It's normal.

 

[Walnutfever44315]

Larch lose there needles in the winter. It's normal.

Yes, I know, but it has been missing 80% of its needles during the summer and winter moths for years now. Also, I took down several 20-foot hickory trees at the base of one of the larch trees, which isn't a great sign.

 

[muddy42]

As above, European larch are one of few deciduous conifers that lose their needles in winter, so it will be easier to tell in the spring. That said, your trees don't look too healthy lower down. The species has been decimated in some parts of the world by phytophthora ramorum. This thrives where trees are closely packed and damp. Thinning some of the trees in the middle and removing all dead branches in the spring might help.

 

[Walnutfever44315]

As above, European larch are one of few deciduous conifers that lose their needles in winter, so it will be easier to tell in the spring. That said, your trees don't look too healthy lower down. The species has been decimated in some parts of the world by phytophthora ramorum. This thrives where trees are closely packed and damp. Thinning some of the trees in the middle and removing all dead branches in the spring might help.

Thanks for the info, muddy42. They've been bare of 80% of its needles for 10+ years and have looked pretty much the same in that time. I'm dreading having to take them down. I have my garage, neighbor's garage, fence, and power lines all within a 30 foot radius of these 100+ foot tall trees.