Pruning Yews When and How to Trim Your Yew Shrubs

Pruning yews might seem tricky, but it’s actually a great way to keep your garden looking sharp and healthy. Whether your yews are overgrown, need a fresh shape, or just a little trim, knowing how to prune them correctly can make all the difference. This guide will help you figure out when and how to prune your yew shrubs, what tools you need, and how to care for them afterward. Ready to make your yews look fantastic? Let’s dive in!

When Should You Prune Yews?

Yews are best pruned twice a year: once in early July and again in early September.

In July, you can cut back up to two-thirds of the new growth to shape the plant. This is the best time to trim because the new growth from spring has hardened and turned dark green, making it sturdy enough to handle a good pruning.

The second pruning in September should be light, just to tidy up any new growth that has appeared since the summer cut. This helps keep the yew looking neat and in shape. By sticking to this schedule, you’ll keep your yews healthy and looking great.

The Tools You’ll Need

To prune yews, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Pruning shears: Perfect for cutting small branches and doing detailed work.
• Loppers: Great for thicker branches that need a bit more muscle to cut.
• Hedge trimmers: Help shape your yews and keep them looking neat.
• Gloves: Protect your hands while you work.
• Safety goggles: Shield your eyes from flying debris.
• Ladder: Needed if your yews are tall so you can reach the higher branches safely.

Keep your tools sharp and clean to ensure they make precise cuts and to avoid damaging your plants. Regularly sharpening blades and wiping them down will make your pruning process smoother and more effective.

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Pruning Yews Step-by-Step

How to Prune an Overgrown Yew

If you haven’t trimmed your yews regularly, they might look leggy and messy. Here’s how to get them back in shape with a technique called rejuvenation pruning:

1. Snip Back Branches: Cut back the branches to the woody parts. This helps the yew grow new, healthy shoots.
2. Trim Gradually: Avoid cutting too much at once. Gradually shape the yew over time to keep it healthy and full.
3. Check for Vigor: After pruning, your yew will start to grow lush, bushy foliage again.

By doing this, you’ll help your yew regain its strength and a neat appearance.

Shaping and Topiaries

Yews can be shaped into many cool forms, thanks to their flexible growth. Here’s how to shape your yews or create topiaries:

1. Plan the Shape: Decide on the shape you want, like a ball or an animal. Start shaping slowly over several cuts.
2. Trim Regularly: Maintain your chosen shape with annual pruning between March and July.
3. Cut Deep: Don’t worry about cutting deep into the brown wood; yews can still green up from there.

With patience and regular trimming, your yews can turn into artistic topiaries or neatly shaped shrubs.

Pruning Old Yews

Old yews can still bounce back with proper pruning. Follow these steps to rejuvenate and maintain them:

1. Avoid Peak Seasons: Don’t prune during budding seasons. Instead, focus on spring before the birds start nesting.
2. Cut Back Severely: Use loppers and a saw to cut back wide, old hedges. This helps new shoots grow well.
3. Support New Growth: Fertilize after a major pruning to boost new growth and keep your yew healthy.

Pruning a Yew Shrub

Timing is key when pruning yew shrubs. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Start in Late Winter: Begin pruning when the yew is dormant, usually late winter. This avoids stressing the plant.
2. Clip Outer Growth: To make the yew bushier, trim off the outer growth. This encourages new, fuller growth.
3. Avoid Top Cutting: Don’t trim the top until the yew has reached your desired height plus a few extra inches. This ensures it grows up nicely.

Yews are resilient and can regrow even from old wood, but be careful not to remove too much at once. Trim a little on all sides for a natural, healthy look.

Aftercare

After you prune your yew, it’s important to help it bounce back and grow strong. First, water the yew well—keep the soil moist but not soggy. Adding mulch around the base helps keep the soil at the right moisture level and temperature. You can also use a balanced fertilizer to boost new growth, just follow the directions on the label.

Watch your yew for any signs of trouble, like wilting, weird colors, or pests. If you spot any issues, take care of them quickly to avoid bigger problems. Regularly checking on your yew will keep it looking vibrant and healthy.

Summary

Pruning yews can keep your garden looking its best and help your yews stay healthy. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:

• Prune in Late Winter: Start trimming when yews are dormant, usually late winter. This helps them recover and grow well.
• Use the Right Tools: Grab pruning shears for small branches, loppers for thicker ones, and hedge trimmers for shaping. Don’t forget gloves, safety goggles, and a ladder if needed.
• Shape Over Time: For overgrown yews, cut back branches to the woody parts gradually. Regularly shape your yews to keep them neat and artistic.
• Prune Old Yews Carefully: Cut back old yews in spring and avoid removing more than one-third of the canopy at once. Fertilize afterward to support new growth.

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