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Old Yew, Pruning #777628

Asked November 11, 2021, 2:15 PM EST

Hi, I have two old yew shrubs that have been pruned in the formal, rectangular prism style. The previous owner pruned it this way and I continued to do so. I'm wondering, do you have advice on how to bring it back to it's original, natural shape? Should I cut it to the ground? Any advice would be helpful. FYI-one side of the shrub doesn't have needles because there used to be a large arborvitae shrub next to it, which I removed. Thanks!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Yew plants' natural shapes vary depending upon the cultivar.  Some are rounded, some spreading and some upright.  The following publication discusses these variables:

https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2020/6/yews-DT/

Yews tolerate hard pruning so it's OK to cut them back as needed to accomplish your purpose. However, the more wood that's left, the faster the shrubs will recover. It isn't advisable to cut them to the ground. 

New growth may eventually develop on branches in the shade inhibited portion.

In any case, after hard pruning it may take two or three years for the shrubs to regain their eye appeal.

Early spring is the best time to hard prune.

The following information may be of interest:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/ct-home-0117-garden-qa-20190110-story.html

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 11, 2021, 9:14 PM EST
Thank you!
On Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 8:14 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 12, 2021, 9:34 AM EST

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