Yews are, without question, the most useful and permanent evergreens in our gardens. Except for the few varieties that are very slow growing, most grow quickly.
In fact, they develop too rapidly to be allowed to go without pruning when used in foundation plantings or formal gardens, or as hedges.
Japanese Yews: Annual Pruning
The Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) and Japanese upright yew (Taxus cuspidata capitata) are examples of rapidly growing kinds. Even the dwarf Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata mina) does not remain low without some annual priming.
The size and shape of yews may be controlled by pruning in such a way so as not to destroy their natural beauty.
Yet, all too often, we see them pruned or sheared in unattractive shapes and forms. Allowed to grow unpruned, yews soon become overgrown and too large for their original purpose.
Although it is best to cut back the long shoots annually with hand shears to prevent overgrowth and maintain naturalness, many gardeners shear so severely that the grace of their plants is completely destroyed.
Prune the Second Time
When growing young yews in the nursery row, it is necessary to shear to induce them to branch at the base and Jill out properly. If this is done early in the season, new growth will soon give the plants a natural appearance for the rest of the year.
After this, a second pruning is rarely required. If hedges are trimmed in early July, after the heavy spring growth has hardened, they seldom require another pruning, except to keep them strictly formal.
Prevent Snow Damage Through Severe Pruning
Upright yews, such as the Japanese upright, Hatfield, and Hicks yews, usually require rather severe pruning to prevent snow damage.
Allowed to develop without some corrective pruning, they become thin and loose in growth, so that sleet and wet snow in winter may cause considerable damage.
Pruning: Less Danger of Winter Breakage
By pruning some of the long shots at the sides and top, and slightly rounding and narrowing the plants at the top, there is much less danger of winter breakage.
To keep the type of Japanese yew low, cut back the long terminal growths at the top. The spread of the plant may also be controlled in the same manner. This does not mean shearing, and remember that irregularity keeps the plants more interesting.
American Yew Needs Annual Pruning
In moist, shady locations, the native American yew (Taxus canadensis) grows ideally. It needs annual pruning, however, to keep it bushy.
This may be done, in an informal manner, in summer, although extra long shoots can be removed at any time. In full sun, the American yew does not have attractive color, but in shade, it usually stays green.
English Yew Needs Annual Pruning
The spreading English yew (Taxus baccata repandens) is also excellent for shade or partial shade in protected places. Its dark green, heavy needles, and drooping habit make it a favorite, but it needs an annual pruning in June or early July to control its spread.
One of the best new varieties of yews is Taxus media nigra, noted for its dark green color and dense growth habit. To keep it to the desired size, prune back the long terminal branches at the beginning of the growing season.
Yews Lived-Long When Pruned
Yews of all kinds are long-lived. If you have plants that have become too large, do not be afraid to prune them back.
It is even possible to cut them back severely to the desired height in one operation or to do it gradually, depending upon whether you are willing to wait a few years for the new growth to fill in.
Feed Plants After Pruning
After pruning in early June, feed plants with a chemical and organic fertilizer, one or two handfuls per plant, depending upon size, and additional new growth will soon cover the hare spots.
After feeding, water heavily and repeat at frequent intervals thereafter if’ the soil becomes dry. Light pruning, which does not affect the beauty of plants, may be practiced at any time.
44659 by R. E. Newell