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Restorative pruning of overgrown yew hedge

Posted by Sarah Russell on September 24, 2009 at 7:45pm in Groundscare
Hi guys - some advice please! One of the large gardens I work in has a large amount of yew hedging which over the last 100 years have gradually grown far bigger than they should be. When is the optimum time of year for me to cut them hard back (reducing 5ft high down to about 3 ft). I realise I should only do one 'face' every year, so this is a several year project. Anyone had any experience of this kind of stuff? Someone told me October was the best, but I have to say I am a bit dubious - surely any regrowth would run the risk of frost/snow damage? Thanks a lot!!
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Replies

  • PRO
    Phil Voice September 24, 2009 at 8:06pm
    Hi Sarah

    The rule of thumb that I have been brought up with is one hard prune on each face.
    However, I have pruned Yew very hard 'all round' and the stimulus has been very successful.

    Cutting large trunks down from the top tend to produce the best results IMO.

    Feb/March is a good time to avoid burning the regrowth.
  • Sarah Russell September 25, 2009 at 8:42am
    Not wishing to appear ignorant, but what is a silky?

    Pro Gard said:
    Use Felcos and a silky NOT a chainsaw or hedge trimmer and as above, personally late feb would be my choice along with a feed of bonemel/ leafmould in spring to give it a boost.
  • Mark September 25, 2009 at 2:01pm
    My first thought is that me means you should use a pair of Felco's and wear a protetive nightie !!??

    But the sensible answer is a hand saw ;-)



    Sarah Russell said:
    Not wishing to appear ignorant, but what is a silky?

    Pro Gard said:
    Use Felcos and a silky NOT a chainsaw or hedge trimmer and as above, personally late feb would be my choice along with a feed of bonemel/ leafmould in spring to give it a boost.
  • PRO
    Phil Voice September 25, 2009 at 7:32pm
    Cutting through heavier wood does tend to get better results doesn't it?

    I love to see fresh shoots breaking from the trunk and then trimming a couple of years later as the shape begins to develop.
  • Sarah Russell September 26, 2009 at 12:38pm
    yes, reducing 5ft to 3 ft is what I want - when did you cut yours down, early spring?

    colin said:
    sorry read it too quick thought it said reducing 5ft to 3ft high

    Pro Gard said:
    Its only being reduced by 2' !!!! 5' down to 3'

    colin said:
    yes i once took a big old yew hedge back to near enough the trunk just leaving a basic framework (went from 8ft wide to 3ft wide) only took 2 years to start and look solid again and gives loads extra space in the garden, a bit like taking privet back 6 months later you dont notice its been cut hard

    Philip Voice said:
    Cutting through heavier wood does tend to get better results doesn't it?

    I love to see fresh shoots breaking from the trunk and then trimming a couple of years later as the shape begins to develop.
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