Yew training information

I'm hoping one of you guys (Will, Tony et al.) who knows from experience can summarize clearly some yew training steps aimed at building branch structure.

Specifically, when to wire, when pinch new growth & how much, pull old leaves, fertilization tips etc.....and what to expect if its done correctly.

Posting photos to illustrate is worth extra credit!!!

Thanks guys.

I can't believe there's nothing.

Come on guys. I am certain someone has something to help out.

Neil,
I read your post but I don't have much experience with yews. I, too, am waiting for others to respond.
Todd

Hi Neil,

Don't know if this is of any help to you: http://www.lancasterbonsai.com/Care%20Tips%20Files/Taxus.htm

Graham Potter also has a few videos on YouTube re. the styling of yews. IIRC, they don't have a load of species specific info, but they are a good source of inspiration for those working with taxus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPZCboXJJAU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-5yl5D_GOA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt52abVVpVo

Good luck!
BM

Hi Neil and Todd.

I have just logged on using a friends computer as I am away travelling again. When I am back home I will answer this post

Thank you for the links BM. Tony, look forward to your post.
Todd

Thanks Tony! I did'nt want to call you out in front of everyone and put you on the spot. There was another person I thought may also have some good information. I won't use names, but his initials are Will Badely.

Looking forward to learning something new Tony.
Thanks.
Neil

Neil, I'm also interested in this, so thanks for asking. I have a nice yew that I acquired last summer, gave it it's first serious trimming this spring and cut back the new growth last week. Should be ready to start some more significant styling work next year.

Haven't had the chance to check out those videos yet, thanks for posting those BM...

Newly collected yews really must not be worked for at least three years from collecting. But during this period you can be working on deadwood creation or refinement. Also what happens during this time is the strong areas of the tree become defined, and these are the areas that you will build the tree.

In the early years of development you should be looking towards building branch structure and ramification. It's all very well styling a tree to satisfy your desire for a 'finished' image but you cannot do this with Yew. They take time... But it's worth it. Back budding takes place on third year growth. So... Build the tree in such a way that the dense foliage clouds are close to the trunk on branches that are in the third season. What this means is that the tree will look 'leggy' (take a look at my VERY BIG yew on my blog) when you first style.

In the. Last three years I have worked on health, deadwood... And at Burrs Workshop this year the tree will have it's first 'styling' but it will NOT be a finished image. I will be putting the structure in place.

If you have a tree ready to build foliage now is the time to remove the old needles on the growth from two years ago. Around September you will see the new buds developing. These will be the formation of your foliage clouds.

Tony,
This is good information. Does this mean that removing needles and pinching new growth is not productive/preferred unless branches are 3+ seasons old? I am guessing that during this time one would wire primary branches into desired positions.

In short, you are establishing the strength of the tree while building a volume of branches, developing the deadwood and then building the tree around the deadwood/trunk line.

Spring-Summer-Pinch new growth??
Mid-Late summer- remove 3 year old needles
Autumn-Winter- Wire?

Thanks,
Neil

Neil-Dellinger wrote:Tony,
This is good information. Does this mean that removing needles and pinching new growth is not productive/preferred unless branches are 3+ seasons old? I am guessing that during this time one would wire primary branches into desired positions.

In short, you are establishing the strength of the tree while building a volume of branches, developing the deadwood and then building the tree around the deadwood/trunk line.

Spring-Summer-Pinch new growth??
Mid-Late summer- remove 3 year old needles
Autumn-Winter- Wire?

Thanks,
Neil

You are bang on Neil. The depth of branches comes on the third year growth... So often this is missed. You remove third year at the middle of the third years growth. Does this make sense? 1-2-3( remove 1 needles)
BTW I am still on Holiday in Vienna!

Thanks for the advice Tony. Enjoy your vacation!!


Neil