Question
I tried to save what I believe is a yew shrub 3'x3' that a neighbor had pulled out and was going to throw away.  I planted it in well drained top soil southeast corner of my home and watered frequently.  It looked happy for about a month and then all of the needle like foliage turned brown.  Is there any hope the plant was just shocked and will come back to life next spring ? or do you think I killed it?

Answer
Hello Lisa

Thank you for your question.

I don't think there is much you can do to save this plant.  The roots where probably badly damaged when your neighbor pulled it up!  It could live for about a month on the nutrients it had taken up prior to being so rudely removed from its home, but wont be able to take up any more.

I am sorry - I hate to see plants badly treated or die of neglect!

If you really like the plant, there is one thing you could do - if there is any life left in it at all - take cuttings!  

Find straight, upright shoots and take cuttings about 3 inches long (as many as you can find).

Take off about 1/2 the foliage, trim the cuttings to about 2.5 inches.

Fill a plantpot with potting compost and insert the cuttings around the edge, making sure that they are not touching each other.  Water in well.  Place the pot into a clear plastic bag and tie the top.

Keep an eye on the cuttings and once you see signs of regrowth (light green tips to the shoots are the first clue you've got growth), gently take one of the cutting out of the pot and check for roots.  If they are present, pot each individual new plant into its own pot.  

Put in a cool (but not cold) position and keep the compost moist.  As the plants get bigger, plant into larger pots.

I can't promise this will work, but it's a chance and who knows, you may end up with a whole yew hedge or yew topiary (this can be a very decorative plant!)