My zip code is 18032, and the larch tree does not shed needles until the fall. It is June and they are turning brown and falling all over the patio.
If you have been experiencing extremes in temperatures, such as much warmer weather, then the tree could be stressed, which would make it go into dormancy early to survive. Other than keeping it well watered, there is little else you can do but it should recover on its own. Another possibility could be insects (which would most likely affect the area nearest the crown) or some type of fungus.
If I remove the little portions that make up the cone and place them beneath soil, will those portions grow?
You will need to propagate from harvested seeds.
Here is a link with more specifications on the process.
My husband died in 2010 and I have just found a match box with writing on it saying that the seeds inside are Larch seeds.
What a wonderful treasure let to you by your husband.
Here are links for you with great information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/larch/growing-a-larch-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pine/how-to-grow-a-pine-tree-from-seed.htm
I am concerned that our 10 year old larch has no greening as of today(May 12,2017).When I scrapped the bark to see if it was green underneath it is.I am wondering if this rainy colder spring had delayed the growth.Other larches I have seen have their new needles.
Certainly weather conditions, ground temperatures and moisture levels can cause delays in trees greening and leafing out.
Our other trees in the area growing yet? Have you check soil moisture?
Do the branches bend or snap off? If the branches snap they are not alive.
A tree can die off for sometimes unknown reasons.
These links have more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/larch/growing-a-larch-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5187466.pdf
https://www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum
I have two coniferous larch trees that the needles are turning brown and falling off, even though they have healthy new growth on each branch. I cannot figure out why as I have two very close neighbors whose larch trees look great. I planted these trees about four yrs ago. Sorry no photos!
There can be a few reasons for browning of Larch Tree needles; from pests to a few diseases.
It may take further inspections to determine the issue.
These links may help with diagnosis.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/larch/yellowedneedles.html
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/tamaracks_are_looking_brown
I would also suggest talking with your County Extension Office to see if any regional issues are known.
This link will help you locate your nearest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
blackwatch larch not growing in zone 8
Larch trees should not be grown in zones warmer then zone 6.
You can talk with your County Extension Office and get a list of trees suitable to your growing zone and region.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
My 20 year old larch tree appears healthy. Every year, in the spring, it greens up and adds several feet to its height. Every fall the needles turn yellow and fall off. It has been shedding its bark for the last several years and is showing a thinner red colored bark where the gray bark has shed. We have lots of this tree in our area and I have not seen any of the forest trees with this same condition. Is this normal for a tree living in an suburban environment? Tree is about 60' tall and 16" across at the base.
Hm. This is not typical. It could indicate a few different issues. Fungal issues, or sunscald are most common. Usually, it is not fatal, and the tree will live with it just fine.
This article will provide more information on peeling bark:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/peeling-bark-on-trees.htm
This article will offer information on Larch Trees:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/larch/growing-a-larch-tree.htm