Diagnosing and Saving Declining Japanese Yews

Common Causes of Japanese Yew Decline

Two Japanese yews at a home entry have rapidly turned brown. Possible causes include overwatering (yews hate "wet feet"), transplant shock if recently moved, heat reflection from nearby walls, and poor drainage in clay soil.

Diagnostic Questions

• Were the yews recently transplanted?
• Is there a brick or light-colored wall reflecting heat?
• Does the soil drain well or stay soggy?

Recovery Plan

Reduce watering to once or twice weekly for 30 minutes. Apply a high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate roots. If transplant shock is suspected, cut back severely to 12–24 inches to force rejuvenation. Improve drainage if needed. Mulch to moderate soil temperature.