Thoughts on these shrubs (Yew I think)

climbingmonkey24

climbingmonkey24

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
United States
I have a client whose shrubs and trees I’ve been caring for since 2021. Every year around this time she has me do her shrubs and this is when she prefers to have them done.

I’ve sometimes noticed that these particular shrubs which I believe are Yew develop some brown spots usually within 24 hrs after trimming. But they always bounce back and green up again, grow well, and look good every year I return to care for them.

They’re in a completely open area with no shade. And I’m not sure how much water they get. But from the research I did my thoughts are it probably is due to the heat / sun and drought and trimming further stresses them. But like I said, they always come back nicely and look great and this is when she wants to have them done.

Curious what you think. Thanks.


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Zooming in: some of those look like dead (sheared off) needles in there...others look like needles that got hit by the trimmer, but not cut. Probably some stress from trimming when its hot. You using gas trimmers? Sometimes I wonder of a little exhaust blowing on the shrub can cause a little browning??? Oil lubricating the blade? That may kill a few needles too.

Frankly, it doesn't look like a real plant health concern...but if she expect perfect shrubs, that's not ideal.
 
ATH said:
Zooming in: some of those look like dead (sheared off) needles in there...others look like needles that got hit by the trimmer, but not cut. Probably some stress from trimming when its hot. You using gas trimmers? Sometimes I wonder of a little exhaust blowing on the shrub can cause a little browning??? Oil lubricating the blade? That may kill a few needles too.

Frankly, it doesn't look like a real plant health concern...but if she expect perfect shrubs, that's not ideal.
Click to expand...

Did use gas but it’s a long extension trimmer. And I think in one of the past years the same thing happened when we used an electric.

I agree I don’t think it’s really a major health concern and she’s fine with it. I was more thinking along the lines of new customers and whether it would be a good idea to inform them that trimming their shrubs in real hot weather or drought may cause some browning just to protect myself from someone potentially saying I damaged their shrubs. Course they may not even notice it until I pointed it out, but even so can’t hurt to mention it can it?

This is my 5th year trimming these and they always come back great, but someone who I haven’t previously worked for may not understand why it’s happening so that was kind of what I was thinking.
 
@ATH Do you ever clean / disinfect your trimmer blades? I know they sell products specifically designed for lubricating and cleaning them.

Wondering if some mild dish detergent and water may also be an option but then there’s the chance for rust I suppose. Unless you dry it real good afterwards.

The other consideration I suppose would be if any soap residue is left in the blade and if that could negatively impact whatever you’re trimming…

Maybe I’m just overthinking things.
 
ATH said:
I've never used it on trimmer blades, but I have a can of disinfectant for barber clippers...it also has a lubricant so should prevent rust.
Click to expand...

Have you ever noticed certain species browning in some areas after trimming in your area?

I guess I shouldn’t be so concerned about it knowing that these particular shrubs always come back nice, it’s just got me curious. I have a pretty conservative approach to trimming in the sense that I don’t hack a bunch off the plant, etc.

And also making me more inclined to mention it as a possibility to other potential clients just to cover myself.
 
evo said:
Ive had browning from lube on hedger blades.

Could be sunburn with shade loss from the removed leaves
But mostly looks like typical hedger damage
Click to expand...

What would be the solution if it was the trimmer? Or is there really not much you can do about it unless you were to use hand tools.

Other species of shrubs I’ve trimmed on the same property I haven’t noticed it as much. Just these particular ones.

Do you say anything to your clients prior to trimming about the potential for that to protect yourself?

Based off looking at the leaves closely though and doing this property for a few years I’m inclined to think it’s related to sun / heat exposure, etc. Zero shade in that area during most of the day.

I mean, just from the trimming I did last week I got a sunburn on my arms and now the old skin or whatever it is has been peeling off.
 
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