Reshaping Yew Tree

How do I allow my yew tree to grow in a normal shape rather than its current odd pruned form?

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##FULL QUESTION## Dear *Gardening Life*, We have a large healthy yew that the previous owner pruned into a big oval bun shape. I’d like it to grow up like a normal tree instead of maintaining this odd form. How can I do this? *—Carolyn Haddock, Dartmouth, NS*

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##FULL ANSWER## Carolyn, Fortunately, yew is one conifer that can take drastic pruning as it will sprout from old wood. Cut it right back to within several inches of its main frame. Get a professional to do this if you can’t bear to do it yourself. It will look super-naked for a while but the new stems will be encouraged to grow in a more natural shape. The best time to do this is before new pale green growth starts in spring. Give it lots of TLC (compost and water) and it should bounce back beautifully. *—Marjorie Harris, Editor at Large* Other questions recently answered by the GL team: Using black walnut leaves for mulch Stopping powdery mildew on maples Planting trees near a swale Growing on a septic field How to battle weeds between flagstone and alternative options Mysterious orange powder on the lawn What to do with end-of-season potatoes on the vine How to control Japanese knotweed What to grow in a dry area The proper way to plant astrantia What is the star flower and how do I manage it? How do I eliminate my ant problem? Preventing red beetles from attacking lilies Vine types to grow on a new pergola Maintaining purple fountain grass Keeping bougainvilllea healthy throughout the winer How to rid invasive green goutweed Good garden uses for fireplace ashes Growing grape hyacinth indoors The best way to convert a lawn into a meadow The proper way to grow rhododendrons Eliminating beetle damage to spruce trees Annual resembling Japanese maple Planting ivy near cedar trees In search of the 'Sundance Kid' sunflower Caring for canna bulbs A supplier for barren strawberry ground cover Winter care for roses Cutting back mauna loa The best time to harvest curly-leaf lettuce Eliminating invasive trumpet Caring for double-flowering hibiscus trees Eliminating white aphids from honeysuckle vine Where to purchase Japanese blood grass An alternative to rhododendrons Growing a vegetable garden over a septic field Dividing and replanting daylilies Proper care for oakleaf hydrangea The best care for shrub roses 'The Fairy' Pest eating purple leaf sand cherry Preventing lawn brown spots Keeping plants sturdy Preventing suckers from a cut-down serviceberry tree Best tomato seeds to sow Preventing wind damage to grasses Plants to highlight a pool

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