Unfortunately, there are numerous conditions that can cause Taxus to exhibit yellowing and browning. A thorough examination of the affected shrub, an investigation of the surrounding area and a knowledge of possible environmental stresses are often necessary to diagnose Taxus problems. The following questions and supplementary information are meant to assist you in determining the cause of your shrub's declin. Examine the trunk and branches for wounds from physical injury. Taxus cannot tolerate much injury and is easily damaged.
Children falling into the shrubs or snow and ice sliding off the roof into shrubs can cause injury.
Bark torn from as little as one-third the circumference of a branch may cause the branch to die from that point all the way to the growing tip. Nursery tags wired to a branch may eventually constrict its growth. Even termites, which can build their mud tunnels up the trunk and branches of taxus , can kill parts of the shrub due to feeding activity. Injured branches often do not die immediately but dead branches may be evident the following summer. Prune out dead branches and fertilize Taxus in late fall.