What's eating my himalayan yew?

Himalayan Yew is attacked by taxus mealybug and scale insects on its stems and foliage. Deer and livestock pose a significant threat in garden and estate settings. Vine weevil larvae can damage roots. This slow-growing conifer is particularly vulnerable because damage accumulates before symptoms become obvious.

Waxy white clusters in stem joints and needle bases; sooty mold and weak growth Remove with rubbing alcohol or cotton swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray

Rounded brown bumps on bark; yellowing foliage and dieback on infested branches Dormant oil application in late winter; remove heavily infested branches

Browsed foliage and bark stripping; yew is toxic to horses and cattle yet they still eat it if available Fencing is essential where livestock are present; this is a critical safety issue, not just a plant protection issue

Notched leaf margins; larval root damage causes wilting and plant death Beneficial nematodes applied to moist soil late summer; sticky barriers on stems