Japanese larch: when and how to prune

Japanese larch: when to prune it?

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Dead, diseased and broken branches can be removed at any time of year. If pruning is needed, do it in winter (November–February) or in summer (July–August).

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

Japanese larch: how to prune it?

1. Prune as for European larch: lightly, leaving the leader intact.
2. On a weeping form, cut out shoots that grow upright or trail along the ground.
3. Remove wild shoots from below the graft union of a grafted form straight away.

How much to cut, and how often?

• 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).

What does it mean for wildlife?

• 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.

Common mistakes

• 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.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• European larch
• Leyland cypress
• Thuja
• Atlas cedar
• Cedar
• Cedar of Lebanon

Similar to: Difference from European larch

Plant profile: Japanese larch · Pruning calendar and basic rules