Hi, 

The winter cold snap back in December has proven to be rough on a lot of different evergreen plants, especially ones that have a boarder line zone preference like the Cephalotaxus varieties. Usually they survive our Maryland winters fine (they are rated for zones 6-9) but when the weather takes a drastic dip from warmer temperatures to extreme cold, many evergreens get winterburn or scorch. This article from our blog talks about browning holly leaves, but it was written last year when we had some different winter conditions, however it does explain what can happen. 

The upright yew does look like it got hit pretty hard probably due to it being taller and away from the ground where plants tend to be sheltered more. You should wait a little longer, maybe mid-March and see if there is any green left towards the bottom of the plant. You could then try to prune to those branch nodes and see if new growth sprouts from that. You can also try to do the 'scratch test' where you take your finger nail or gently with the blade of your hand pruners and scrape a little of the bark off to see if there is green underneath (this doesn't work with all plants but should with the plum yews). 

For the prostrate variety, you can do the same. Wait until around mid-march and trim off the dead branches. Those look like they will re-bound since the damage doesn't seem as severe.  

You may also want to check the soils to see if it has stayed fairly wet. Sometimes, with the combinations of cold temps as well, yews can be prone to root rot. So it could be a bit of both environmental stressors. 

Lastly just to rule out other possibilities, you can check around the base of the plants and root crown for any vole damage. Voles may have sought out shelter and a food source this winter on the bark. It is mostly likely due to the extreme cold weather in December though. 

We are seeing a lot of reports of winter damage in evergreens, both needled and broadleaf, and as we get into the spring, we may notice more damage on soft barked trees like maples or beeches. 

If we can be of more help with this or other issues, please let us know. 

Emily