My yews are prominent and overgrown. They're squared too. Instead of cutting them way back and waiting for years for them to grow back, what would happen if I just cut back a couple sides at a time so at least some of it would look okay?
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Scary yew idea
Submitted by senecawells on September 10, 2009 - 1:43pm.
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No Sugar Coating It!
I think your idea is going to look even more like a hatchet job!
My honest advice, which is what I am paid for, is to remove the overgrown beast and replant. Yews are easy to remove. I just removed three at my parents house over the Labor Day weekend. Of course a pickup truck and a chain helped!
The other option is to cut back to branches and in a couple of years they will return to a nice look.
With your option I do not think you will get good regrowth and it will take years to to rein in the overgrown plants.
I say stimulate the economy and buy, buy, buy new plants that will last and will improve your curb appeal for years.
Dennis -Johnson County Extension
Another option
I'm such a romantic about plants, I can't bear to dig them up if they're still alive. So here is what I'd do, and what I did at out last house. We had some sculpted yews by our front entry and I wanted them more natural looking, so I got creative. I cut them all back, but I went branch by cranch and cut them all at differing lengths. It didn't look like a hatchet job, but it wasn't a fast job either. Every branch required a little decision. they grew back beautifully. I love yews because they can be cut back so far and grow back. It took a season or two for them to look natural like I wanted, but I was glad I hadn't dug them up and replaced them. After all, anything I'd have replaced them with would have been pretty small to start out anyway.
Interesting
You know, that's an interesting option. I may try that. I wouldn't mind saving the money on new yews. My time is probably cheaper right now. Thanks!
I would recommend using a
I would recommend using a tow strap rather than a chain.
It is MUCH safer.
Chains do break and can seriously damage people or objects.
Good Point
Farmers use chains - can not help my roots or that fact my dad always has a chain in the truck.
Thanks for the safety tip - Dennis :)