Rainbow leucothoe

For a western larch (Larix occidentalis) seedling, you should water it regularly, but not too frequently. Ideally, water it every 4 to 7 days, depending on the environmental conditions. The soil should be kept relatively moist, but not overly wet. When watering your seedling, be sure to check the top inch of soil for dryness. If it is dry, watering is necessary. Add enough water to allow for thorough soaking around the roots of the seedling.

Western larch seedlings require direct sunlight for optimum growth. They are adapted to grow in open, sunny areas and typically need 6–8 hours of direct sun each day. In areas with cooler temperatures, more sunlight is needed for vigorous seedling growth. In warm climates, the seedlings may experience stress during extended periods of full sunlight, so it’s best to avoid full midday sun in these environments. In general, it is best to provide western larch seedlings with 8–10 hours of indirect sun each day.

Western larch (seedlings) should be pruned in late winter (February through March) and late summer (July through August). The exact timing is dependent on the climate in which they are located. In general, seedlings should only be pruned in the winter and late summer. During these pruning times, the growth of new twigs should be encouraged by making small cuts close to the base of the leader. During the winter pruning, the leader should be trimmed back in order to encourage a balanced and symmetrical growth. During the late summer pruning, the leader should also be shortened, but only by a small amount. This will help reduce competitive growth and promote even growth of the larch. Additionally, any dead, diseased, or broken branches should be removed during the late summer pruning.