Columnar growth, legendary longevity and good-natured pruning tolerance recommend yew as a hedge for eternity. So that the evergreen bulwark always inspires with a well-groomed appearance, a pruning is part of the care plan once a year. Read here when and how to skilfully trim a yew hedge.

A yew hedge must be directed regularly into its tracks

Cutting time is in July

Once a yew hedge has reached the desired final height, pruning is aimed at maintaining the shape and slowing down growth. The ideal time window for the shape and care cut opens at the end of June on St. John's Day (June 24th). Pruning should be completed by the beginning of August in order not to impair the winter hardiness of the conifers.

Take precautions against poison content

In 2011, the yew was voted poisonous plant of the year to draw attention to a significantly high concentration of toxic ingredients. Pay special attention to this dark side of your yew hedge before pruning it. Equip yourself with gloves, protective suit, breathing mask and goggles to prevent any contact with the toxic plant sap.

Cut the yew hedge in a trapezoidal shape

The secret of success in cutting hedges is a conical cutting profile. Your yew hedge is no exception in this respect. A broad shrub base that tapers towards the crown allows sunlight to enter all areas. This allows photosynthesis everywhere, so you don't have to complain about bare shoots. With this cut you can:

  • Stretch out marking ropes for a trapezoidal cutting profile
  • Cut flanks and sides from top to bottom
  • Focus on the uncut green space
  • Maneuver the cutter bar of a motorized hedge trimmer (€24.99) with outstretched arms

To ensure that a mature yew hedge does not increase in height and volume, please cut as close as possible to last year's cuttings. Operating a power hedge trimmer with outstretched arms is undoubtedly tiring. In this way you effectively prevent unsightly waves and dents in the cutting pattern.

Rejuvenate old yew hedge - this is how it works

Stop struggling with an old, bare yew hedge that takes up too much space. Unlike other conifers, yews tolerate pruning for rejuvenation. The most important premise for successful revitalization is a phased approach over a period of four years.

Choose a frost-free day in late winter for each cutting stage. In the first three years, successively cut back all side branches to two centimeter short stubs on the respective main branch. Cut the hedge crown back to the desired height only in the fourth year. Don't cut anywhere, use the derivative cutting technique. Put the scissors on where a young side shoot branches off on the main branch.

tips

The starting shot for trimming a yew hedge is on the day of planting. Cut back young conifers by a third or half. The thinner and weaker a shoot, the harder it is cut. The resulting accumulation of juice encourages sleeping eyes to sprout and promotes dense branching from the base to the crown.

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Trees