Pruning Massive Yew Hedge - Ask Extension
I have a very wide yew hedge beneath my front porch windows. It is old (40 years) and has gradually grown toward the street (away from my house) maki...
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Pruning Massive Yew Hedge #929670
Asked April 26, 2026, 1:17 PM EDT
I have a very wide yew hedge beneath my front porch windows. It is old (40 years) and has gradually grown toward the street (away from my house) making it almost impossible to trim across its width, as it is now about four feet wide. Can I lop off about 1.5 feet and be assured that growth will come back, or, if I trim it back that radically, will the front (street-facing side) be forever bare? I have attached two photos of the hedge taken this spring.
Thanks in advance.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Yews are one of the few evergreens that tolerates severe pruning. If you prune heavily, it will grow back, although it may take two or three seasons.
The best time to do this is now. Don't wait until summer and be sure not to do it in the fall. Look here for tips and details:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/pruning-planner-for-evergreen-shrubs/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pruning_evergreen_shrubs
The best time to do this is now. Don't wait until summer and be sure not to do it in the fall. Look here for tips and details:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/pruning-planner-for-evergreen-shrubs/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pruning_evergreen_shrubs
