When and how much should we trim these Yew bushes? - Ask Extension
Hello Dear Master Gardener, We have lived at this house for 5 years and have yet to trim these Yew bushes, not even once. When is the best time of t...
Knowledgebase
When and how much should we trim these Yew bushes? #909297
Asked July 10, 2025, 3:27 PM EDT
Hello Dear Master Gardener, We have lived at this house for 5 years and have yet to trim these Yew bushes, not even once. When is the best time of the year and how much? This last winter/spring, they got a lot of burned or dead branches on the lower extremities of the plants. Other than that, they seem to be healthy. p.s. are they suspectable to any particular diseases that we should know about and if so, what can we do to keep them healthy?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Based upon what we can see in the photos, the yews appear to be so unhealthy that pruning now might not be advisable.
To know for sure and determine what to do, we advise asking a certified arborist to assess the yews' health onsite and recommend a course of action.
If you decide to hire an arborist, this information may be useful:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
To know for sure and determine what to do, we advise asking a certified arborist to assess the yews' health onsite and recommend a course of action.
If you decide to hire an arborist, this information may be useful:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
