yew - Ask Extension
Hello, I planted these yew last year. The stems are green and there is some new growth. Any ideas on what to do? Can that be saved?
Knowledgebase
yew #930380
Asked May 02, 2026, 2:10 PM EDT
Hello, I planted these yew last year. The stems are green and there is some new growth. Any ideas on what to do? Can that be saved?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
It looks like winterburn. Yews, like other evergreens, need to go into winter heavily watered until the ground freezes, especially the first few years as they are not well rooted in. They also prefer partial shade and some protection from winds. Also, you could do some pruning to define the shape.They do have an unusual shape. Seems there are three leaders on the one in the forefront. They do have dormant buds so they should produce new foliage, with proper moisture, and the old brown needles will fall off.
