Pinching a Yew

[amkhalid]

I've been developing this Taxus cuspidata from nursery stock since 2006. It is now at the point where I want to slow it down and discourage coarse growth, so I pinched the spring growth today.

Kinda sad... the spring growth of yew is one of the most colourful things in my garden right now as I don't have any flowering trees.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Delicious! Though I'd like to see those primary branches lower...

 

[amkhalid]

Delicious! Though I'd like to see those primary branches lower...

Thanks - and you are completely right. The main branch on the right especially needs to come down. The thick branches on this tree don't bend unless I hollow out the heartwood. I've done this to three branches on the tree and it has worked well - but haven't done the first branch on the right yet. Its on the list of things to do

 

[october]

Just a beautiful tree and work. I am in the same boat as you. After 5 years of training my yew, this is the first year it is ready for moderate/heavy pinching.

You are right about the branches not bending. How about a different planting angle? Maybe slightly tilting the tree to the right. Then the branch would be in a more downward position.

Once again beautiful tree.

Rob

 

[amkhalid]

Just a beautiful tree and work. I am in the same boat as you. After 5 years of training my yew, this is the first year it is ready for moderate/heavy pinching.

You are right about the branches not bending. How about a different planting angle? Maybe slightly tilting the tree to the right. Then the branch would be in a more downward position.

Once again beautiful tree.

Rob

Hi Rob - thanks for the compliments.

I've considered the planting angle change and have made several changes over the years. However, if I tilt it much to the right, the last section of trunk (from where the apex is built) will be practically vertical. Know what I mean? This is something that could never be fixed. I am really happy with the trunk line right now... but your solution is tempting. Sometimes the simpler fix is the best one.

Cheers

 

[october]

Hi Rob - thanks for the compliments.

I've considered the planting angle change and have made several changes over the years. However, if I tilt it much to the right, the last section of trunk (from where the apex is built) will be practically vertical. Know what I mean? This is something that could never be fixed. I am really happy with the trunk line right now... but your solution is tempting. Sometimes the simpler fix is the best one.

Cheers

Ya, I know what you mean. I think the tree is stunning. If you can get that branch down, good, if not, I don't see it as a big deal at all. The tree is just stunning and that branch is short and in scale with the tree. The trunk is really beautiful on this one.

Rob

 

[edprocoat]

Damn nice looking Yew! Great job it looks so real.

ed

 

[fore]

That is a beautiful tree!

 

[mcpesq817]

Gorgeous tree

I have a yew that is ready to be pinched too - do you literally pinch, or do you use scissors?

 

[amkhalid]

Gorgeous tree

I have a yew that is ready to be pinched too - do you literally pinch, or do you use scissors?

Thanks mcpesq817. I literally pinched with my fingers. Much quicker since basically the goal is to remove all the new growth.

Scissor pruning will be more important later in the season when bud selection time comes.

 

[amkhalid]

Update today. The second flush is nicely balanced, dense, and more compact. Can't wait to wire this guy.

 

[october]

Beautiful tree! My yew stated it's second flush of growth last week.

Rob

 

[amkhalid]

Beautiful tree! My yew stated it's second flush of growth last week.

Rob

That's good to hear. I thought mine came up a little late but I guess not... this was my first year pinching it so didn't know what to expect. I think your climate is quite similar to mine as well.

 

[october]

That's good to hear. I thought mine came up a little late but I guess not... this was my first year pinching it so didn't know what to expect. I think your climate is quite similar to mine as well.

Coincidentally, this is the first year my yew is being pinched as well. After about 5 years, the structure is in place. Also, when you said "can't wait to wire", I thought Wow, this tree still needs to be wired..it already is really nice.

As far as climate. We are usually about 1 month behind around here. It can still be in the 40's the end of May and into June. Then, it goes into the 80's. Many trees don't really get growing around here until June. However, in October and sometimes into November, we can still be in or near the 60's, sometimes 70's.

Rob

 

[amkhalid]

Coincidentally, this is the first year my yew is being pinched as well. After about 5 years, the structure is in place. Also, when you said "can't wait to wire", I thought Wow, this tree still needs to be wired..it already is really nice.

As far as climate. We are usually about 1 month behind around here. It can still be in the 40's the end of May and into June. Then, it goes into the 80's. Many trees don't really get growing around here until June. However, in October and sometimes into November, we can still be in or near the 60's, sometimes 70's.

Rob

Be sure to update your yew thread when you get a chance.

This tree still needs quite a bit of work. Some areas need to fill in, branches need to be lowered, and the branch structure needs to be simplified and opened up (seems like this is a never ending process with yew). Once I go through it and wire it this year it will look quite sparse again, but hopefully will be one step closer to where it needs to be.

 

[Dav4]

Also, when you said "can't wait to wire", I thought Wow, this tree still needs to be wired..it already is really nice.

My exact thoughts, as well...very nice tree! Love them yews!

 

[fore]

Killer tree already without wire, very impressive.

 

[amkhalid]

Thanks for the positive comments everyone. Just to be clear, this tree has been wired several times in the past and has wire on it right now. It has just developed since its last wiring such that the new growth needs to be prettied up.

 

[GrimLore]

Any updates on this one? Rare I get to see Yew done nicely

Grimmy

 

[amkhalid]

Any updates on this one? Rare I get to see Yew done nicely

Grimmy

Funny you ask I just prepped it for a show yesterday. Never got around to wiring it last year so it is a bit shaggy, but full.