Winter Damage on Yews: How to Identify and Treat Them

As winter comes, yews may suffer from damage due to harsh weather conditions. Those who have yews in their garden or landscape should be aware of the signs of winter damage and how to treat them. In this article, we will discuss the common types of winter damage on yews, how to identify them, and what steps you can take to prevent further damage.

Understanding Winter Damage on Yews

Yews are evergreen shrubs that are popular for hedges, topiaries, and ornamental plantings. They are commonly grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. During winter, yews can experience several types of damage, including:

• Desiccation
• Browning of leaves
• Branch breakage
• Frost damage

Desiccation occurs when the plants lose water through their leaves faster than they can absorb it from the soil. Browning of leaves happens when the plant tissues freeze due to extremely low temperatures. Branch breakage can occur due to heavy snow loads or ice storms. Frost damage can happen during sudden drops in temperature which cause water inside the cells to freeze, leading to cell rupture and tissue damage.

Identifying Winter Damage on Yews

It is important to identify the type and extent of winter damage on yews so that you can take appropriate action. Here are some signs to look for:

Desiccation

Yews with desiccation damage may have brown, dry, and curled up leaves. The leaves may also feel brittle and come off easily when touched. Desiccation can cause the needles to turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off.

Browning of Leaves

Browning of leaves occurs when the plant tissues freeze due to extremely low temperatures. This damage is usually seen on the tips of the branches first, but it can also affect the entire plant. The affected foliage turns brown and may remain attached to the plant or fall off.

Branch Breakage

Branch breakage is common during heavy snow or ice storms. The weight of the snow or ice can snap branches or bend them out of shape. Broken branches may show ragged tears or may be completely severed from the plant.

Frost Damage

Frost damage often appears as white or brown discoloration on the leaves, stems, or bark of yews. Damaged tissues may also feel soft and mushy to the touch. In severe cases, frost damage can kill the entire plant.

Treating Winter Damage on Yews

The treatment for winter damage on yews depends on the type and extent of the damage. Here are some steps you can take:

Desiccation

To treat desiccation, water the yew deeply and regularly. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil. If the damage is severe, prune the affected branches back to healthy wood in late winter or early spring.

Browning of Leaves

If only the tips of the branches are affected, prune them back in late winter or early spring. If the entire plant is affected, wait until new growth appears in spring to assess the damage. Prune back any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Branch Breakage

If a branch is partially broken, gently tie it back into place using soft twine. If it is completely severed, prune it back to healthy wood. Do not leave ragged edges, as they can lead to disease and insect problems.

Frost Damage

If the frost damage is minor, prune the affected areas back to healthy wood in late winter or early spring. If the damage is severe, the plant may not recover and may need to be removed.

Preventing Winter Damage on Yews

Prevention is the best way to avoid winter damage on yews. Here are some tips:

• Water yews deeply and regularly during fall to ensure that they have enough moisture to withstand winter.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil.
• Wrap yews with burlap or other protective coverings before the first frost to protect them from wind and cold.
• Prune yews in late winter or early spring to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.

Yew shrub affected by desiccation

In conclusion, winter damage on yews is a common problem that can be prevented or treated with proper care. By understanding the types of damage, identifying the signs, and taking appropriate action, you can keep your yews healthy and beautiful year-round.

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