Shaping / Trimming
No regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped in early summer as the new growth fades from bright green to dark green. Yew's often give a flush of growth in mid-season. To keep their neat appearance, they can also be pruned again in mid-to late August.
Where To Grow
Taxus must have well drained soil if they are sitting in water at any time the will not flourish and may well die. If you have wet condition you cab create a raised bed to keep their fibrous roots out of over wet soils. They are quite versatile when it comes to different soil types from Acid, alkaline and neutral. When it comes to position they are also very versatile sun or partial shade will suit. In pots always use John Innis compost as this is soil based and will hold nutrients longer and not dry out as quick.
Feeding
If you are growing them in containers then for best results use a slow release fertiliser such as Osmocote this will normally last all season but if you find the foliage turning pale then a liquid feed could be applied during the growing months. Alternatively use a general fertiliser in early spring and again mid summer if it is not to dry.
Pest And Diseases
Brown Leaves? The most common problem is suffering from irregular watering. This is especially important when growing in pots these plants can die in the winter as well as the summer from lack of water when grown in pots. Gall mites and scale insects can sometimes be a problem. May be subject to phytophthora root diseases this is sometimes more common in gardens next to woodland areas.
Special Notes
Most parts, especially the seeds, are highly toxic by ingestion.