I need to prune an old yew. If I cut it enough to clear the driveway, it will remove most of the green. How?

The yew is old and pretty bare inside but we must cut it away from the driveway. Someone suggested thinning it out inside too so it gets more sun. It really needs to be about 2/3 the size it is now. It is 8-10 feet high now and I would be fine with it being about 6 ft. I hope to save it. How should I proceed? Thanks for your help.

I need to prune an old yew. If I cut it enough to clear the driveway, it will remove most of the green. How?
Yew is amazing. It can grow back however hard you cut it, unlike leylandii and other firs. We regularly cut each side of our yew hedges which are old and 12 foot high. We usually do this this in July/ August (inUK). Apply fertiliser to the root area afterwards.


It can take over a year to re-grow, so prepare yourself to see brown for a long while...but it is worth it and the plant benefits in the long term.
Reply:Pruning now, while sap is rising will cause it to "bleed". This will invite insects.





Should have done it last Fall, after it became dormant.


Prune very sparingly now, and seal the cuts. There's a product available at any nursery.





Next Fall, you can trim and shape it as you please.
Reply:If you cut it that way, it will look pretty bad for a year, but then it will grow in again.