- Rejuvenate old yew trees by pruning
- The best time to rejuvenate a yew tree
- Two prunings per year recommended
- Compost yew trimmings
Yew trees are valued for their longevity and good pruning tolerance. Unfortunately, old yews become bare over time because not enough light reaches the lower branches. How to rejuvenate an old yew tree.
Yew trees can grow very old and very large
Rejuvenate old yew trees by pruning
Old yew trees, especially when planted as a hedge, will become bare on the inside over time. Not enough sunlight reaches the lower regions so that the tree no longer forms new shoots.
However, it is easily possible to rejuvenate even a very old yew tree by pruning it hard.
- Cutback possible at any time
- cutting trees
- Thin out the tree or hedge
But when you work, keep in mind that the yew tree grows very slowly. It takes several years for the tree or hedge to become completely dense again.
The best time to rejuvenate a yew tree
Yews tolerate pruning so well that they will forgive a pruning at any time. Only in midsummer should you refrain from a rejuvenation cut. The needles turn brown at the cutting points due to exposure to the sun. This doesn't harm the tree, but it's not so pretty on the eye.
Two prunings per year recommended
To rejuvenate a yew tree by pruning, prune the top of the tree. You can safely cut back hard.
Then remove all lateral branches so that the sunlight can reach the tree trunk again.
It is particularly beneficial if you thin out the yew twice a year, as this will speed up the growth of new branches.
Compost yew trimmings
Even if the yew is a very poisonous tree, you can safely throw the cuttings left over from regeneration into the compost. The poison is decomposed there.
However, you should shred the leftovers, otherwise the decomposition process will take a very long time.
The sap that escapes when you cut a yew tree can cause skin inflammation. Therefore, be sure to wear gloves when tapering and also protect your face from contact with needles or twig residue.
tips
Yews can get very old. There are specimens estimated to be 1,000 years old. The wood is very hard and durable and has therefore been used for weapons and tools for centuries.