Shrubs - Ask Extension
Can someone please tell me why it looks like these are all dying and why they are in this condition?
Knowledgebase
Shrubs #832213
Asked May 26, 2023, 2:53 PM EDT
Can someone please tell me why it looks like these are all dying and why they are in this condition?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
Yews are typically very hardy plants, and are not susceptible to many diseases. However, several stress factors can cause yews to turn brown. The link below discusses a few of those factors.
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2006/5-17/yew.html
If Yews are subjected to very wet winters and springs their needles will turn brown. This indicates that the soil is too wet for these plants and the root system is starting to die back.
Intense fluctuations in wind and temperatures can also cause brown needles. Cold winter winds can desiccate the needles, and warm winter sun can further dry them out.
You may want to check the pH level of your soil. Your yews look pretty sparse as if they've been malnourished for some time. You can ascertain both the pH level and the nutrients in your soil with a soil test.
Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. You can obtain them at the link below. Full instructions are there and also come with the kits. The cost is $25. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments.
https://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.htm
What's Wrong with My Yew? | Soil, Plant and Pest Center (tennessee.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Yews are typically very hardy plants, and are not susceptible to many diseases. However, several stress factors can cause yews to turn brown. The link below discusses a few of those factors.
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2006/5-17/yew.html
If Yews are subjected to very wet winters and springs their needles will turn brown. This indicates that the soil is too wet for these plants and the root system is starting to die back.
Intense fluctuations in wind and temperatures can also cause brown needles. Cold winter winds can desiccate the needles, and warm winter sun can further dry them out.
You may want to check the pH level of your soil. Your yews look pretty sparse as if they've been malnourished for some time. You can ascertain both the pH level and the nutrients in your soil with a soil test.
Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. You can obtain them at the link below. Full instructions are there and also come with the kits. The cost is $25. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments.
https://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.htm
What's Wrong with My Yew? | Soil, Plant and Pest Center (tennessee.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
