European larch: when and how to prune

Larix decidua

European larch is best pruned in July–August and November–February.

Updated on 10 October 2026

Key facts
Pruning months	July–August and November–February
Nesting season (15 March–15 August)	Take care in July–August
Good for bees, butterflies and birds	Yes, for birds
Native to Belgium	No, naturalised

European larch: when to prune it?

Dead, diseased and broken branches can be removed at any time of year. Formative pruning in summer or during winter dormancy.

What else to prune in those months? January · February · July · August · November · December

Larch tolerates pruning better than other conifers, but keep the main stem intact.
Train a young tree on a single leader; remove a competing leader in good time.
Saw off side branches that are too low gradually, a few each year, flush with the trunk.

There are 2 pruning periods a year: July–August and November–February. You don’t have to prune in every one.
Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
Most conifers do not regrow from old, bare wood. So never cut back into the brown part (exception: yew).

Pruning in July–August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Cutting back into bare brown wood: it will not regrow from there.
Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Caution: Don’t prune in spring while the needles are emerging, and never remove the leader.

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.