Removing a yew shrub is sometimes more difficult than cutting down a tree. The trunk of a yew, especially close to the ground, is extremely dense and difficult to cut even with the sharpest chainsaw (count on ruining the blade). And trying to remove it with the old chain-and-pickup-truck method is a recipe for disaster, as mature yews planted too close to a house commonly penetrate foundation walls.
The English Yew is a beautiful an ancient shrub of beauty used for centuries as hedges and trees. It’s been cultivated for thousands of years and was central to ancient Celtic religious ceremonies. Topping out at anywhere from 5-40 feet depending on the cultivar, full-grown yew shrubs are notoriously difficult to extract, due to their deep and hearty root structure.
Yew bushes are a popular choice for landscaping due to their lush evergreen foliage and ability to form dense hedges. However, over time, they can become overgrown and need removing. Getting rid of mature yew bushes is no easy task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively.
Why Remove Yew Bushes?
There are several reasons you may need to remove established yew bushes:
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They have become too large for the space, blocking windows or encroaching on structures.
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The bushes are diseased, pest-infested, or declining.
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You want to renovate the landscaping and install new plants.
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The yews were improperly sited too close to the home’s foundation
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You need access to utility lines the yews have grown over,
Removing overgrown yews allows you to reclaim the space for new landscaping ideas. It also eliminates potential foundation damage from invasive roots.
Dangers of Removing Yew Bushes
Yew bushes have very sturdy root systems that penetrate deep into the ground. Attempting to pull them out by the trunk can disturb foundations or underground utilities.
Their branches are also quite strong. If you cut the shrub down carelessly, falling limbs could cause injury or property damage. Never try to pull out a large yew with vehicles or equipment.
It’s critical to take precautions when removing mature yew bushes yourself:
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Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and steel-toe boots.
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Cordon off the work area to prevent others from entering.
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Carefully assess if any utilities run near the yew’s roots and avoid those areas.
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Have someone assist you in case the job becomes too difficult.
For large or complex removals, it’s advisable to hire an experienced professional.
Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Yew Bushes
Follow these steps to safely and effectively remove established yew bushes from your landscape:
Gather Necessary Equipment
You’ll need:
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Loppers, hand pruners, folding saw – for cutting smaller branches
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Chainsaw – for cutting down larger trunks and stems
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Shovels and spades – for digging around roots
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Garden hose – to soften soil before digging
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Heavy work gloves, safety glasses
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Wheelbarrow for hauling away debris
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Herbicide (optional) – to kill remaining roots
Prepare the Area
Clear away any nearby objects you want to protect, like lawn decorations or garden beds. Remove clutter and tripping hazards from the vicinity. Have your tools and safety gear ready to go.
Cut Down the Yew Bush
Using loppers, pruners, or a chainsaw, cut the yew bush down to a stump, as close to the ground as possible. Take care not to let falling branches damage anything.
Dig Around the Stump
Use a shovel or spade to dig a trench all around the stump. Go down about 1-2 feet deep, or below where the main roots begin. This exposes the roots for removal.
Sever the Root System
With the roots visible, use an axe or saw to cut through and detach the large anchoring roots from the stump. Pruners can also snip smaller roots.
Remove the Stump
Once adequately loosened, try rocking the stump back and forth to work it up and out. You can also use a winch or pry bar for leverage. Removing as much of the root system as possible prevents regrowth.
Dress Cut Surfaces with Herbicide (Optional)
For any roots remaining in the ground, apply a systemic herbicide like glyphosate to the freshly cut surfaces. This kills the roots and stops resprouting. Carefully follow product instructions.
Dispose of Debris
Move all woody debris to a pickup spot for removal. Chopped up branches can be used as mulch. Larger logs may need hauling away or renting a chipper to break down.
Backfill and Replant the Area
With the yew gone, refill any holes and smooth out the soil. Let it settle for 1-2 weeks before planting replacements. Amend the soil with compost or manure.
When to Call a Professional
For yew bushes with trunks over 6 inches thick, or situated dangerously close to structures, consider hiring an arborist or landscaper to remove them. Professionals have commercial-grade equipment and expertise in tricky removals. They can also grind away remaining stumps.
Proper Placement of Yew Bushes
When planting new yews, allow ample space between the shrub and any foundations, patios or sidewalks. Yews often reach 6-15 feet tall and wide at maturity. Give them room to grow without encroaching.
Research the eventual size of the yew cultivar and site it accordingly. With strategic placement, you can avoid extensive removals down the road.
Removing overgrown yew bushes takes effort but is doable with some muscle and the proper tools. Follow safety precautions and dig out as much of the root system as possible. For problem removals, get professional assistance. With the yews gone, you can give your landscape a fresh new look.
Do not try to remove a yew shrub with your pickup truck and a chain
Some ill-informed daredevils will tell you to back up a pickup truck to the yew, tie a chain to the truck, lash the other end of the chain around the plant, then put the truck into gear and pull it out. Don’t do it. The chain may snap, creating a serious hazard, or the pickup’s tires will spin in place and dig up your yard without ever pulling the shrub out. An additional hazard relayed to me by a landscaper is that yew roots are known to grow into a cement foundation, taking advantage of any small cracks. If this is the case and you yank the yew out with a truck and chain, a chunk of your foundation may come with it, which will make for a really, really bad day.
Dig around the yew with a shovel as deeply and as widely as possible.
Dig about 3 feet wide and as deep as possible so you have room to maneuver a chainsaw. Dirt and chainsaw blades are not compatible.
How to remove a large bush with regular tools
FAQ
Do yew shrubs have deep roots?
Yes, yew shrubs generally have deep roots. While their roots can spread laterally to absorb nutrients and water, they also have a significant taproot that can extend several feet into the ground.
Are yew shrubs hard to remove?
Yews can be cut back very hard and will grow back. You can trim them down in stages if you are intimidated by them (or become exhausted). I used a lopper, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw alternately to do it. I like the look of the branches arching up to the top like a little baobab tree.
How to dig up yew?
- Use a lopper to cut off the top branches. …
- Dig around the yew with a shovel as deeply and as widely as possible. …
- Use a pruning saw (small, angled, and sharp) to trim the smaller brush-type branches as close to the trunk as possible.
Will a yew grow back from a stump?
Yes, yew trees and shrubs are known for their ability to regenerate from a stump.
How do you remove yew shrubs?
Cut away the shrubs using a chainsaw. Remove the debris using a brush shredder. A landscape contractor may come shred debris for a fee. Flush cut stumps and plant around them. All of the tools and safety equipment used in the yew shrub removal can be found at a home center.
How do you care for a yew shrub?
To care for yew shrubs, grow the evergreen plants in well-drained, humus-rich soil that is kept evenly moist. Yew shrubs thrive in full sun to full shade and tolerate a range of soils. Use compost and evergreen shrub fertilizer in spring. Prune branches every springtime to promote bushy growth.
How do you prune an overgrown yew shrub?
To prune an overgrown yew shrub, you can trim back the leggy branches to the woody parts of the stem. Yews are hardy shrubs and can take hard pruning. For example, cutting back a yew to about 1 to 2 ft. (0.3 – 0.6 m) from the ground will help to rejuvenate the shrub.
How many yew bushes should you remove a year?
Don’t ever remove more than one-third of the total canopy any one year. Nor should you start pruning a yew shrub by removing an entire section of its foliage. Instead, when you are pruning yew bushes, snip a little on all sides of each yew to keep it natural looking and healthy.
Should yew bushes be pruned?
Nor should you start pruning a yew shrub by removing an entire section of its foliage. Instead, when you are pruning yew bushes, snip a little on all sides of each yew to keep it natural looking and healthy. If you shape your yews annually, you will never have to resort to hard pruning a yew.
How do you cut a yew tree?
To cut down a yew tree a player will need at least 60 Woodcutting, and will receive 175 experience per log cut. Yew trees were released with the Fletching skill and can be used to make yew shortbows and yew longbows, granting 67.5 Fletching experience per unstrung yew shortbow, and 75 experience per unstrung yew longbow.