Emerald Peak Japanese yew is a slow-growing tree that takes only light pruning in spring.If one of the important rules of landscaping is to always select plants that are appropriate for the growing conditions you have, then a related rule should be to always choose a variety of yew (Taxus spp.) that naturally grows in the shape you want. With a large number of options available, why plant a variety that is tall or upright when what you really need is something small or rounded. It will just mean spending more time and energy to prune it.
Homeowners who need a shorter pyramidal shape for their landscape design might consider Emerald Peak Japanese yew (T. cuspidata 'Tvurdy'), a slow-growing variety that becomes just 8 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide and it takes only light pruning in spring to maintain its clean architectural silhouette.
Like all Japanese yews, 'Emerald Peak' prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, and must have well-drained soil to avoid often-serious problems caused by "wet feet." In areas with heavy or compacted soil, creating raised beds will provide the good drainage all yews need.
Yews can easily take our winter weather and urban conditions, but browsing deer, especially in winter when there is less for them to eat, can be a problem. Yews planted where deer visit are best covered with protective netting in late fall -- or they might be "pruned" more than you need.
Barrel of laughs: If you haven't already done so, take time this week to disconnect your rain barrel from its downspout. This will protect your barrel from cracking during wintertime freeze/thaw cycles. Drain the barrel and turn it upside down so that it stays clean for future use. It's important to reconnect the downspout so rainwater is channeled away from your home's foundation.
Blade runner: Continue to mow lawns to a height of 2½ to 3 inches. Leave clippings on the lawn to decompose and nourish the soil or add them to your compost pile. The date of the final mowing will depend on the weather, but it is usually sometime in early December. That's when grass should be cut quite short to prevent injury and disease. It's best to avoid walking (or running) on frozen grass. This can break the blades and cause dead spots.
Holiday cheer: The best time to install holiday lights on trees and shrubs is on a day when temperatures are above freezing. Damage is less likely to occur because stems and buds are not cold and brittle. Some tree care companies offer holiday lighting services.
Rose protection: Wait until we have had several days of 20-degree weather before you protect hybrid tea, floribunda, climbing, miniature and newly planted roses.
Denise Corkery is a horticultural writer at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.
