
How to prune yew this winter
Learn how the experts prune yew with the help of Chiswick House's head gardener Rosie Fyles.
One of the first jobs for January is winter pruning. While waiting until a plant is entirely dormant is good to do, it's not always possible, especially in a large garden open to visitors. That means we often prune earlier, such as with our roses. We also have to think carefully about a plants structure and form too. Here's my guide to pruning yew trees.
Here are the best tools for pruning.
How to prune yew hedge
How to prune a yew hedge
Pruning isn’t just about improving flowering. In January it can very much be about improving form, too. We have created a new design in our yew hedging that could be re-created in any garden. Our shapes are simple, appropriate to the history of the garden and the principle of the approach is simple too. Use long growth to create a pattern and cut hard around it to develop shapes. You can see the yew hedge we have all fallen in love with below.
Watch how to prune a yew hedge and box hedge
We have recently changed our box care cutting regimes, tackling this job in the cold months too while always avoiding extreme heat and very damp conditions, meaning less risk of scorch and blight. Winter is busier while June is, enjoyably, a bit quieter.
When to prune your yew hedge
If you are pruning and cutting, try to fit your winter tasks in during January and early February. It’s been proven that in recent years, and in many areas, birds are nesting earlier. Look out for birds nesting and avoid disturbance from mid-February right to the end of summer. Consider leaving decaying branches on trees where their failure does not present a danger to anything or anybody. We have an old apple tree in the kitchen garden that woodpeckers nested in last year. The joy of watching adults feeding their young in your garden could become another of the new year’s highlights.
Read Rosie's previous columns here
Authors

Rosie Fyles is Head Gardener of Chiswick House, in London. Rosie is a Trustee of Silent Space, a charity that promotes peaceful time in green spaces.

13 issues for £30 when you subscribe
Subscribe to Gardens Illustrated magazine and receive your first 13 issues for £30!
*UK only

Transform your Garden- Special Edition
Transform Your Garden
This special edition features advice on designing your garden from the world’s top garden designers, including top tips for redesigning your plot or creating a new garden from scratch.
Discover eight inspirational gardens in town and country, and beautiful planting ideas for year-round colour. Learn how to make the most of a small space, how to cope with a slope, and the ten most common mistakes people make, according to professional garden designers, and how to avoid them.
Enjoy insights on everything from paths and parking spaces to wildflowers and water features, so that you can be confident in starting to create the garden of your dreams.
Just £9.99 inc UK p&p
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Gardens of the Globe
From botanical wonders in Australia to tranquil havens closer to home in Ireland, let this guide help you to discover some of the most glorious gardens around the world
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.