There are many species to choose from. This plant however gets pretty bad reviews time and time again from home and business owners. It is unfair really, because its “ugliness” is not its fault at all! Yews look ugly because they are pruned incorrectly ALL THE TIME! They are sheared to within an inch of their lives – into balls, cones, and even squares. Now what plant out in nature ever grew into the shape of a square? No wonder these poor plants are loathed. Just look at this natural shape and size. What’s not to love? This plant is totally hand pruned.
Just because a plant “can” be sheared and survive, doesn’t mean it is the best tactic for care. Truth is, yews can be gorgeous in the landscape when cared for properly and kept out of reach of hedge shears and hungry deer…who unfortunatly LOVE them. Hand pruning is really the way to go and fall is a great time to do this work.