Most conifers cannot be severely cut back to old wood, but yews (Taxus) are an exception. You can cut back your yew to about 1/3 of its size or even lower. Do this in early spring before new leaf growth.

You will not be able to see the buds in the old stems, so when they re-grow there may be some dead wood above the new growth. Cut this dead wood back to the new growth. Apply slow-release fertilizer and a layer of mulch around the plant after pruning. Within a year or two you will have a fresher shrub that can be pruned as desired.

For more information on pruning plants, see our Guide to Pruning.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service