Hello all,
Really hoping I can get some advice regarding my Western Larch before it's too late. I have had this tree for three years and it has always been a very strong, vigorous tree. I decided to repot it back in April (it didn't get any substantial root removal but some dead stranglers were clipped). It has been seemingly healthy throughout spring since the repot but about a week ago I started noticing the needles starting to wilt a little bit. We have been having some issues with some local Chipmunks (this is the reason for wrapping the trunk as seen in the pics below). They have been munching on my Dawn's and I just did this as a preventative measure.
My initial reaction is over watering. The weather has been a hair on the cold side here in central Oregon with it really starting to warm up over the last couple of weeks. So I have cut back on watering but that was only a few days ago. I have also moved it under a shade cover. It is planted in a 30/30/30 mix of Akadama, Pumice and Red Lava Rock and is in direct sun for about 4-5 hours a day, mixed shade for the rest.
Is there anything else I can do? I would be devastated to lose this one, I don't have many trees and I am particularly fond of this one. If I am too late please let me down softly
I appreciate any help you all can suggest,
Thanks,
Keaton