Yew trees are highly valued because of their longevity and good pruning tolerance. Unfortunately, old yew trees become bare over time because not enough light reaches the lower branches. How to rejuvenate an old yew tree.
How to rejuvenate an old yew tree?
To rejuvenate an old yew tree, it should be cut back heavily outside of midsummer. Trim the top and remove side branches to allow light to reach the trunk. Pruning twice a year accelerates the growth of new shoots.
Rejuvenate old yews by pruning them
Old yew trees, especially when planted as hedges, become bare inside over time. There is no longer enough sunlight reaching the lower regions, so the tree no longer produces new shoots.
However, it is easily possible to rejuvenate even a very old yew tree by cutting it back heavily.
- Pruning possible at any time
- Cutting trees
- Thinning out a tree or hedge
But remember when working that the yew tree grows very slowly. It takes several years until the tree or hedge is completely dense again.
The best time to rejuvenate a yew tree
Yew trees tolerate pruning so well that they can forgive pruning at any time. You should only avoid a rejuvenation cut in midsummer. At the interfaces, the needles turn brown due to exposure to sunlight. This doesn't harm the tree, but it's not so pleasing to the eye.
Two prunings per year recommended
To rejuvenate a yew tree by cutting back, shorten the top of the tree. You can carry out a strong pruning without worry.
Then remove all side branches so that sunlight can reach the tree trunk again.
It is particularly beneficial if you thin out the yew twice a year, as this will accelerate the growth of new branches.
Compost yew trimmings
Even if the yew is a very poisonous tree, you can safely put the cuttings that result from rejuvenation in the compost. The poison is decomposed there.
You should shred the remains, otherwise the decomposition process will take a very long time.
The plant juices that escape when a yew tree is cut can cause skin inflammation. Therefore, be sure to wear gloves when rejuvenating and also protect your face from contact with needles or twig residue.
Tip
Yew trees can get very old. There are specimens estimated to be 1,000 years old. The wood is very hard and resilient and was therefore used for weapons and work tools centuries ago.