pruning weeping yews - Ask Extension
I have 40 year old weeping yews with severe deer damage. Can I cut them back to bae wood to rejuvenate them like I do with my Japanese hollies? The ...
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pruning weeping yews #934228
Asked June 04, 2026, 4:57 PM EDT
I have 40 year old weeping yews with severe deer damage. Can I cut them back to bae wood to rejuvenate them like I do with my Japanese hollies? The Japanese hollies are the same age and I have cut them back to bare wood several times to maintain the size and they have done beautifully. If not, what can I do to get rid of the damage and then I will net them. I love them when they are not damaged!
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
It will probably be fine to do that, yes, as yews tend to regenerate well from heavy pruning (most other conifers do not) as long as they have healthy roots and were growing well before (deer damage aside). They may actually regrow suitable well from the deer browsing too if nothing is done -- after all, it was a natural pruning of sorts -- but the plants might look better in the long run if "reset" by the heavy pruning you suggest.
Miri
Miri
