Hello,

None of my references indicate that yew will sprout from the roots, known as suckering. (In my personal experience I have never seen it sucker, either). Cutting it below the soil level should be fine. Having the stump ground would be one way to remove the major portion of it. Cutting the roots and then digging up the stump is another way to remove it. The roots left behind in the soil will remain a long time, as do most tree roots. Some hobbyists find the stumps desirable to use in wood crafts. 

The following is from University of Illinois Extension—

“Bob Frazee, retired University of Illinois Natural Resources Educator, offers suggestions to homeowners that wish to remove tree stumps from their property- 

According to Frazee the cheapest and easiest method of removal, although not the quickest, is to cut the stump at or below the ground level, cover it with soil, and keep the soil moist. Decay organisms will then rot the wood. Grass may be planted in the soil if the thin layer over the stump is kept moist during dry seasons. The decaying method may be hastened by boring several vertical holes in the stump before it is covered with soil. This method may be used any time during the year. 

A final option is for homeowners to explore the availability of a commercial stump grinder. Mechanical stump grinders that chip the wood are available from some landscaping firms, tree removal services, and some community street departments. A stump-cutting or grinding machine is often the quickest and most satisfactory means of removal. It can chip out a stump to 8 or 12 inches below ground level in minutes. A stump-cutter can remove stumps in confined spaces, like those between curb and sidewalk. You may lift the stump out with a hydraulic lift, such as a Stumpmaster.”

One caution, all parts of yew are poisonous when eaten, except the red fleshy part of the berry. The seeds inside the berry, wood, bark, and leaves are toxic. So don’t let animals or children chew on anything! Thank you for using our service.