Consider The Larch

I cannot get enough of my favorite tree.  The tamarack or larch - Larix laricina.  Also called the hackmatack.

The larch can tolerate cold temperatures better than any tree in North America which is why you'll find it in the northernmost tree-line regions of the continent.  Rot-resistant they make excellent shingles and fence posts.  Historically, the bark was used in the leather-tanning industry.  It's a damn useful tree.

I suppose I'm biased since we've nurtured several nice stands of tamarack on the tree farm.  They're well-suited to some of the soil types and are thriving. 

They sport some crazy branches that would almost make you think they belong in a Dr. Seuss story but the part I like best is the fall color found in this species.

The needles turn a blazing golden color - then they drop.  It's done.  In the spring the tree grows an entire new set of needles and begins the process all over again.

Functional and good-looking, consider the Larch......
 

Regeneration

While out for a walk in the woods the other day it was hard not to miss the seedlings and saplings sprouting-up here and there.

Tiny oak trees and small spruces.  And these tamaracks.....

 

The larger trees were planted a couple of dozen years ago and already natural regeneration is occurring.

For sure there are thousands upon thousands of ash trees with a death sentence - fortunately other species will step-it-up to replace them.  

Sustainable forestry is only for those with patience.

Larch

My favorite tree is looking mighty fine.

The tamaracks are beginning to turn to their striking fall gold before casting their needles.

Consider the Larch

I cannot get enough of my favorite tree.  The tamarack or larch - Larix laricina.  Also called the hackmatack.

The larch can tolerate cold temperatures better than any tree in North America which is why you'll find it in the northernmost regions of the continent. 

I suppose I'm biased since we've nurtured several nice stands of tamarack on the tree farm.  They're well-suited to some of the soil types and are thriving.  They sport some crazy branches that would almost make you think they belong in a Dr. Seuss story but the part I like best is the fall color found in this species.

The needles turn a blazing golden color - then they drop.  It's done.  In the spring the tree grows an entire new set of needles and begins the process all over again.