Question
Hi Edward!
This isn't a disease or insect question but hopefully you can help just the same...
We moved into a house about 12 years ago and al along the front and side of it are what appear to be Brown Yew Shrubs.  I have been trimming them every year but they are just continue to get bigger and bigger.  Currently they are about 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet deep.  They were here when we moved in so I have no idea of their age.  They are in beautiful condition; very healthy, but they have gotten so big.  We would like to cut them back signifigantly and let them start over.  Is this possible without killing them?  How far back can we cut?  What time of year would be best to do this?

Answer
Tina,
Taxus media brownii (Browns Yew), like all other Yews, can be pruned almost to the ground and will grow back. Do not fear cutting back too much, just remember- Yews are slow growers, so do not expect to see them spring right back up to where they were before.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen