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Yews are a popular landscaping plant known for their dark green foliage and versatility in various garden settings. However, pruning is necessary to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t done it before. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to prune a yew tree correctly.
When should you prune your yew trees?
The best time to prune yews is during the dormant season when they’re not growing actively. The ideal time would be between late fall and early spring when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Pruning at these times will help prevent any new growth from being damaged by frost or cold temperatures.
Tools needed for pruning:
– Sharp bypass pruners
– Loppers (for thicker branches)
– A hand saw (for even larger branches)
How to Prune Your Yew Tree:
1) Remove deadwood: Start by removing any dead or damaged wood from your yew tree using sharp bypass pruners. Deadwood can attract pests and diseases that may harm healthy parts of the tree.
2) Thin out the interior: Once deadwood has been removed, assess your yew’s internal structure; look for dense areas where light doesn’t penetrate well as these areas are less likely to produce new shoots or leaves if left unpruned. Cut back some of those inward-facing branches using loppers, creating space within your shrub – this allows more sunshine and air circulation into its centre which encourages fresh growth.
3) Shape Your Yew Tree: Decide on what shape you want for your shrub or hedge before beginning any cutting work since every cut influences future growth patterns significantly! For formal hedges aim toward a flat top with straight sides while informal hedges aren’t limited by such precise requirements but should still adhere roughly around similar heights across either side.
4) Cut back tall overgrown stems: If your yew has grown too tall, you may choose to cut one-third of each stem down to encourage new growth. This will also help create a more uniform shape.
5) Prune regularly: Yew trees require regular pruning to ensure they stay healthy and look great. You should aim for yearly maintenance checks that involve removing any deadwood or crossing branches while shaping the shrub or hedge.
In conclusion,
Pruning your yew tree is essential if you want it looking its best all year round. Remember, always prune when the tree is in its dormant season and follow our guide for best results. With some patience and practice, pruning can become an enjoyable gardening task – especially once you see how beautiful your yews turn out!
