Common yew belongs to the conifers which tolerate all kinds of aesthetic procedures very well - especially cutting. It has the ability to regenerate strongly - even from thick branches and stumps.The pruning of the common yewshould be done regularly so that the plant is compacting properly and looking impressive. Seehow and when to trim yewsto make them look he althy and presentable!
How and when to trim yews?
Why is yew pruning so important?
Cutting the common yewaffects the aesthetics and appearance of the plant.The impressive appearance is not the only advantage of properly trimmed yews. A properly performed treatment allows not only to thicken and strengthen the plant, but also to rejuvenate it.Proper pruning of yewsalso helps to keep this conifer in good he alth, protecting against spontaneous fractures of too long and slender shoots.
When to prune yew?
Yew trees can be pruned twice a yearWe make the first cut in spring. However, we must bear in mind the weather conditions - the weather should be frost-free and rainless. It is important to carry out the treatment before starting the vegetation and putting out the young shoots. Spring is the best time forsanitary pruning of common yew- it is during this period that we remove sick, damaged and dead shoots. We also shorten excessively bulging shoots - this will ensure even access to light for all parts of the plant and improve airing. Spring is also the perfect time for drastic rejuvenating cuts.
The second yew cut can be performed in late summerDo not delay this procedure - it should be performed no later than mid-August. It must be borne in mind that young shoots must still have a chance to lignified before the beginning of winter.Summer cutting of common yewcan protect the plant from breaking long and slender shoots under the weight of snow in winter (such fractures could be accompanied by infections and fungal diseases).
Young plants usually require pruning twice a season due to intensive growth and the need for initial shaping.Older yews only need one spring cut .
Good to know!
1. If we want to form fanciful shapes out of yews and the plants grow too quickly, we can additionally make an early summer pruning in June.2. Yew is a poisonous plant, so all maintenance work should be done very carefully and preferably with gloves.More on this in the article: Is yew poisonous?
How to trim yew?
Trimming yews is not a difficult and complicated procedure. You just need to follow a few basic rules.
- Young yews do not require intensive and drastic pruning- we only use appropriate shortening of side shoots, forming and removing sick and damaged shoots.
- When forming yewsit is best to trim the young shoots in the middle of last year's growth. Ideally, the cut itself should be made about 0.5 - 1 cm above a he althy and strong bud. After performing such a procedure, they should not be longer than 10 cm. Long, slender and non-branching twigs look unattractive - pruning them in accordance with the above rule will result in nice and densely compacted forms. Of course, if we already have a formed plant of a satisfactory size and shape, we can successfully trim all of last year's growths.
- When we reach the desired height of the plant , we can trim it from the top, thus removing the shoot tops. This promotes the formation of side shoots, thanks to which the plant grows sideways and its density increases.
- We always make sure toremove sick, damaged, weak and thin shoots- especially those that develop in the middle part of the plant. We cut thicker branches a few centimeters above the side regrowth. We also control excessively bulging shoots - we get rid of them or shorten them to provide the plant with adequate ventilation.
- If we are dealing withan old or previously poorly cared for common yew , which has numerous brown branches, we must act radically. We absolutely cut out all bare, brown and unsightly looking shoots. We trim them close to the trunk. New shoots will bounce back very quickly - and the plant will branch out and thicken beautifully.
- We always make cuts with a clean and sharp tool.The place of the cut should be smooth and not jagged. If we are cutting sick shoots - it is good to disinfect the tool blades later. Larger wounds should be covered with garden ointment containing fungicide.
- We pay attention to the prevailing weather conditions and the forecast for the next few days.Choose a rainless period for yew cutting . However, we should also avoid hot and sunny days. Therefore, warm but cloudy weather is best for cutting.
- After cutting, especially radical cutting, it is good to water the plant and support it with fertilizer for conifers.
How to become confident in pruning plants?
If you are unsure how to cut or simply afraid to do it, the fantastic book "Cutting School" will help you. Thanks to it, you will gain confidence in pruning plants and learn to cut plants so that they grow according to your expectations.After reading this book, your approach to pruning plants will probably change completely!
