What's eating my densiformis yew?

Densiformis Yew's low, spreading, dense habit creates the humid microclimate that black vine weevil, mealybugs, and scale prefer. Vine weevil larvae can silently destroy roots before symptoms show. Deer browse yew heavily when snow cover limits other food. Waterlogged soil triggers Phytophthora root rot, which can kill plants rapidly.

Irregular notches on needle margins from adult feeding; root-feeding larvae cause wilting, yellowing, and plant collapse. Nematode drenches (Steinernema kraussei) in late August to September; sticky traps around plants to catch adults. Chemical drenches with imidacloprid in severe cases.

Cottony white masses on stems and under bark; foliage loses color and vigor; honeydew promotes sooty mold. Prune and open up the canopy to reduce humidity. Treat with insecticidal soap or systemic insecticides targeting crawlers in early summer.

Brown hemispherical scales on stems; needles yellow and drop as the plant is weakened by sap-sucking. Horticultural oil applied in late winter or early spring; follow with insecticidal soap targeting crawlers in summer.

Heavy browsing of foliage, particularly in winter; plants may be browsed to bare wood within reach. Deer-repellent sprays reapplied every 4 weeks; install physical barriers for young or vulnerable plants.