When it comes to pruning yew, it is important to consider the timing. Yew is known to be a vigorous grower, and once it is established, it can benefit from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
For standard garden hedges, the ideal time to prune yew is in late summer or early autumn. This timing allows the hedge to recover before the onset of winter and ensures that it looks neat and tidy throughout the colder months. By trimming the hedge at this time, you can also prevent any overgrowth or unruly branches from taking over your garden.
Older yew plants, on the other hand, generally respond well to pruning in late spring. This timing allows the plants to recover from the pruning stress during the warmer months when they are actively growing. By pruning in late spring, you can encourage new growth and rejuvenate the plant.
In addition to the regular maintenance pruning, yew plants may sometimes require hard cutting back. This is usually carried out in spring when the plants are just starting to come out of their dormant period. Hard cutting back involves removing a significant portion of the plant, and it is often done to rejuvenate an overgrown or neglected yew.
When performing hard cutting back, it is important to be cautious and not remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. This ensures that the yew can recover and regrow without being overly stressed. It is also advisable to provide the plant with proper care, such as regular watering and fertilization, to support its recovery and promote healthy growth.
The best time to prune yew depends on the specific pruning needs. For standard garden hedges, late summer or early autumn is ideal, while older plants generally respond well to pruning in late spring. Hard cutting back should be carried out in spring, being careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. By following these guidelines and providing proper care, you can keep your yew looking beautiful and healthy throughout the year.
