Hello Peg, happy to help.

When you replaced the chimney, did they re-lay the bricks? If so, I recommend testing your soil around the yew. It may be that the cement material used raised the pH of the soil. Yews like more acidic soil but seem to be tolerant of slightly alkaline soils. (Soils around the metro area are generally alkaline.) If the test proves the soil is inhospitable for your yew, the soil test people may recommend remedial amendments to help the yew.

Here is the link to the U of MN Extension soil test site where you'll learn about their services, prices, and how to submit a sample. Take samples close to the chimney and in various places around the yew following the site's instructions, mix it all together and scoop out the specified amount to be sent in.

Good-luck!



Be sure to let the testers know what plants you have around the chimney. Good-luck!

--e