What to do if a yew (Taxus) is frostbitten? Frost damage remedy and treatment methods

1. Keeping warm

1. If it has been frostbitten, you must take action immediately; first of all, keep it warm. Depending on the region and how close winter is, keep it warm in advance. This is the best way to help it get through winter safely.

2. If there are many yews, you can build a dedicated shelter for them. If there are only a small number of potted plants kept at home, you can build a simple house for them with bamboo on open ground, wrap the outside of the house with plastic film, and then cover it with grass at night.

3. In northern regions, where it is colder, you need to use two layers of plastic film to protect it from frost damage. During the day, remove the grass that was put on at night to ensure it receives normal light.

2. Water less

1. After winter begins, its growth basically pauses and its ability to absorb water decreases. Do not water too much, and do not let the amount of water be too large. If it is placed in a greenhouse, keep its soil slightly dry to help it get through winter safely.

2. If the soil in its pot is relatively dry, water it on a day with good sunshine, for example after 10 a.m. or before 3 p.m. The water temperature must not differ too much from the outside temperature; whether too hot or too cold, it will cause stress to it. If the situation is serious, its leaves will drop, or it may even die.

3. If it is placed indoors, you should water it once a week; if it is placed on a balcony, water it twice a week. In winter its ability to absorb water is relatively weak, but if it is too dry, its fibrous roots will also die from dehydration. So in addition to watering it, you should also sprinkle water on its branches and leaves. If the temperature is below minus one degree, it needs to be kept moist, otherwise ice will damage its roots.

3. Ventilation and air flow

1. If it is placed indoors, put it in a place with good ventilation and light. At noon in winter, when sunlight is relatively abundant, open the windows appropriately to keep the indoor air flowing. From about 9 a.m. to before 3 p.m. is a very suitable time.

2. You can also prune its branches and leaves, trimming away old plants to reduce nutrient consumption and increase the probability of it successfully getting through winter. However, if the temperature is lower than 5 degrees, do not prune it.