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My yew bush was harmed by house painters #879726

Asked August 01, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT

Hello. I have a previously very healthy yew bush in front of my home, which faces west in mostly sun. I had my house painted about a month ago, and left the house because of the noise (about 5 people or more came with machines and stuff, this was not a hand-brush operation). I have noticed that my yew bush is showing many brown needles, and it seems to be crushed in one area, which makes me think that the painting crew put a ladder right on top of it! Had I been home I would have stopped them. What can I do to help my bush recover? Would more watering help? We have had a lot of rain lately, but I don't know how much of it has worked it's way down to the roots. Thank you, photos included.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi,

I’m sorry about your yew. If it gets dry, water, but otherwise you should leave the plant to recover on its own. Don’t fertilize.

If you see broken branches prune them off, but wait for dry weather to do that. You can also prune off any brown branches.

Good luck.

MJ Replied August 01, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
Thank you so much for your help.  One more concern...I think you might be able to see it in one of the photos, but I think one or more big branches have been bent.  Should I just leave that alone?
-Rose
On 08/01/2024 12:56 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 
The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT

Hi Rose, there’s no harm in lifting it up or trying to reposition it.

MJ Replied August 01, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT

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