Photo: Andrew Kudrin from Novosibirsk, Russia, CC BY 2.0 · source
Pruning guide · Tree
Siberian larch: when and how to prune
Larix sibirica
Siberian larch is best pruned in December–January.
| Pruning months | December–January |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Outside it |
| Flowering | March–April |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Siberian larch: when to prune it?
Rarely needed. Prune in December–January, when the tree is bare and not yet in leaf.
Siberian larch: how to prune it?
- Remove dead, broken and diseased branches, especially those with cankers.
- Keep a single leader: if there are two, cut out the weaker one.
- You can gradually remove the lowest branches, a few each year, flush with the trunk.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: December–January.
- Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- The pruning months fall outside the nesting season (15 March–15 August), so you won’t disturb nesting birds.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Do not prune in spring: in Belgium Siberian larch comes into leaf as early as February–March, and the wounds then bleed resin. Never cut off the leader.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Siberian larch · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.