The yew is not only a very robust tree when it comes to climate and location. It doesn't cause any problems when cutting either. In principle, it is not necessary to cut a yew tree. Pruning is carried out to rejuvenate the tree or to make a bare hedge dense again. When is the best time to cut?
Best time to prune a yew tree?
The best time to prune a yew tree is all year round, but you should avoid pruning it directly in the sun when it is very hot. Female trees should be cut in spring before new growth and male trees should be cut by late summer.
The best time to prune the yew tree
You can cut the yew tree all year round. It doesn't matter whether you just make a topiary cut or cut the tree back to the stock.
However, the yew tree will develop brown needles at the cut points if you cut it directly in the sun when it is very hot. This is not dangerous for the tree, but it does spoil its appearance.
If you want the yew to bloom and bear fruit later, cut the female trees in the spring before new growth. Otherwise, remove the later inflorescences. Male trees produce inflorescences in autumn and should therefore only be shortened until late summer.
Protect hands and face
The yew tree contains the highly poisonous taxine in all parts of the plant except the pulp. Although it is only life-threatening when ingested orally, the plant sap can cause inflammatory skin reactions. Therefore, protect your bare skin when cutting so that the plant sap does not get on your face, hands, arms or legs.
Tip
Yew trees can be propagated very easily using cuttings. All you have to do is cut shoots 15 to 20 cm long, which you then put in the pot or in the desired outdoor location.