Knowledgebase

Japanese Yew: stalks turning brown and dying. #770022

Asked August 31, 2021, 11:55 AM EDT

I have a bunch of Japanese yew in my backyard. They were hurt quite a bit by the freeze, and then it rained every day it seems like for a month. I have replaced quite a few, and now I am seeing the new ones brown as well. What is causing them to brown and die? I have others that look great, but maybe it is a fungus of some kind? Any help would be appreciated. Thx

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

A few questions:

  • How long ago were they planted?
  • Was any fertilizer recently applied?
  • Were any herbicides recently applied near the shrubs?
  • Is the bed on an automatic irrigation system? If yes, how often are they watered.
  • Tap a healthy branch against a sheet of white paper, do you see any tiny spider-like creatures walking on the paper?

Thanks for the question.

Paul Winski Replied August 31, 2021, 3:22 PM EDT

A month ago, No fertilizer, no herbicides, irrigation is Automatic.  2 minute spray zone 3 times a week.

No spider creatures at all.

The Question Asker Replied August 31, 2021, 3:26 PM EDT

I believe that you are seeing some transplant shock which can occur on newly planted shrubs. The watering for shrubs should be deep at least 6" and infrequent. Turn off the irrigation to that bed because it will cause more issues since the water isn't getting deep enough. Soak the base of the plant to at least 6". Do not water again until the soil has dried, stick a long screwdriver in the soil, if it comes out moist it is OK, if it is dry, soak again. 

Go ahead and prune out the dead branches.

Thanks

Paul Winski Replied August 31, 2021, 3:51 PM EDT

Will do.   Thanks for your help.

The Question Asker Replied August 31, 2021, 4:00 PM EDT

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