Yew Pruning Guide: Tips for Shaping Yew Hedges

Yew — loved by many but considered too demanding by some. However, these dense green plants are ideal for garden coverage, offering texture, colour, and privacy. And with a bit of know-how, you’ll master yew pruning so that you can admire this stunning green plant in your garden. 

And while pruning yew isn’t difficult, you need to know what you’re doing for the best results. 

Which is why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Learn which mistakes to avoid when yew pruning and how to get the most out of your stunning all-year plant. 

Ready? Let’s go!

Do I need to prune my yew?

A yew tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. Its dense growth brings an elegant touch to your outdoor space, but proper yew cutting is the key to maintaining the shape and appearance. And although the yew is a slow grower, you can expect 20-40cm of growth each year. 

This means that yew offers several possibilities because of its relatively low maintenance needs, from solitary plants in tree form to pruned hedges or individual shrubs. And regular pruning is the best way to maintain the desired shape and size.

But it can be tempting to let a yew tree grow wild. And while that option still offers an attractive plant, yew trees are susceptible to diseases and pests. So, pruning your yew helps keep the focus on healthy growth, which maintains the plant’s resistance. 

Pruning your yew for sunlight

One of the most significant problems with yews is their dense growth. And this can fairly rapidly block sunlight and drain the soil’s nutrients, leaving nearby plants bereft of nourishment. 

So, by regularly pruning your yew, you can control the density and height — creating a more harmonious environment for all your garden’s plants.  

Additionally, yew trees live for a long time. However, over time, the foliage becomes thin and more difficult to shape. So, yew pruning throughout its earlier life stimulates growth and helps the plant maintain its vitality for longer. 

Yew pruning — which time of year is best?

The best time of year to prune your yew is late spring or early summer (late May to early July). This is when the yew is actively growing, which will recover more quickly, preventing diseases and pests from settling into the cuts. 

The general rule is to prevent heavy pruning after August 15th! This is because pruning stimulates new growth, which may not harden off before the colder weather and the chances of frost during autumn. 

However, if you absolutely must prune later in the year, wait until the plant reaches dormancy during the winter when the plant is growing more slowly. But avoid periods of frost, as this can damage the plant if it has exposed wood. 

Which tool should I use for yew pruning?

The tool you choose for pruning your yew depends on the size and condition of the plant. 

For smaller branches, use pruning shears. Use a hedge trimmer for larger branches or shoots, although pruning shears will still work (it’ll just be more challenging!). 

However, if you’re dealing with large, thick shoots, you might want to use a chainsaw. 

WARNING! Yew is poisonous!

Always wear protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves, when pruning yew to minimise the risk of skin-to-plant contact. And definitely wash your hands thoroughly before placing them near your mouth. 

The toxicity is due to alkaloids, which can be fatal even in small amounts. These poisons are released whenever you cut the plant, so practice good hygiene and caution while pruning yew! 

Protect yourself with MOOWY’s Garden Spray Protection set, which includes goggles, gloves, and a face mask. 

How to prune yew 

For best results, follow these steps:

1. Sharpen and clean your tools. And ensure you thoroughly dry electrical devices before switching them on. 
2. Now to the prune: start with a rough cut. This will help gain a general shape if there’s substantial overgrowth. 
3. Thin out the yew before trimming it into shape. Remove weak, diseased, and dead branches. If the plant is still too dense, snap off old, overgrown branches. 
4. Use a rule or string to bring the outline into a perfectly straight line. Remember, taper inwards from the bottom — this helps prevent upper growth, putting the lower branches into the shade. 

Yew pruning — essential aftercare

Your yew tree will now look neat and beautiful. Now, you need to make sure the plant can bounce back optimally. 

So, follow these simple aftercare tips:

1. Water the plant generously after pruning. And keep watering for the first few weeks to help stimulate new growth. 
2. Apply a suitable slow-release fertiliser. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. 
3. Pile mulch around the yew tree to help retain moisture and minimise weed growth. Use organic mulch, such as tree bark or homemade leaf mould or compost. 
4. Protect your recovering yew from extreme weather, such as strong winds, frost, or excessive heat. Set up a wind and sun shelter around the plant in such conditions. However, avoid creating airtight protection; otherwise, there will be condensation, which could encourage fungi growth. 
5. Check your yew plant regularly for signs of disease, pests, and infections. 

Dispose of green waste correctly!

As mentioned, yew trees are poisonous. So, you should practice caution when disposing of the cuttings. 

You can compost the cuttings — but don’t use the compost for edible plants. It will be fine for general bedding plants, but avoid using yew compost for fruit and vegetables. 

The best way to dispose of the cuttings is to use your green waste bin, which the council will collect. If in doubt, consult your local government website for advice. 

The mistakes to avoid when yew pruning

Cutting yew requires care and attention to ensure the plant isn’t damaged and remains healthy. 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when pruning your yew:

• Pruning too hard. Yews are slow-growing trees, so cutting back too hard can send the plant into shock. This will slow new growth and leave it susceptible to pests and diseases. Never cut back more than a third of the total length of the branches. 
• Wrong timing. It’s best to prune a yew while it’s actively growing — that way, it’ll bounce back more quickly. Try to avoid pruning after August 15th!
• Mis-shaping the plant. When pruning your yew, cut the branches parallel to the plant’s growth. Avoid forcing the tree into an unusual shape — it will struggle to reform its density. 
• Blunt or dirty tools. Use only clean, sharp tools to achieve a smooth, precise cut. Dull tools lead to uneven, coarse cuts, which take longer to heal and leave the plant susceptible to disease. 
• Damaging the bark. Avoid damaging the plant’s bark when cutting. Cracks or cuts can dehydrate the plant. 

FAQs

Ready to get started?

I hope you’ve got all the info you need for a successful yew pruning project. But if you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Or check out our comprehensive Help & Advice section, where you’re sure to find all the advice you could need for expert lawn care and garden care tips. 

Thanks for reading!