hit the link.. see where that gets you ....

as i said there.. what you can do out in the back of the yard.. you may not like at the front door ....

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

I don't own the home, just renting so I really don't have the option of starting over...I just want to get in the door easily without killing the shrub.

Yews are one of the few conifers that will regenerate from bare wood. I've seen them cut down to 6" stumps and still grow back. Although now is not an ideal time to do much heavy pruning, you should be able to cut away any offending branches without worry. Leave the severe pruning until spring. And since it is right by the front entry and highly visible, I'd approach any pruning with a careful hand -- while you will get growback, it doesn't happen rapidly and if you prune radically, be prepared to deal with a less than attractive looking shrub for several seasons.

Thanks gardengal. I will trim judiciously and consider again in the spring.

are renters allowed to prune foundation plants???

permission might be a good place to start ...

or better yet.. house maintenance is the owners burden... why dont you ask them to provide access to the house.

ken

Various landlords have various methods for dealing with rental properties - yard maintenance is very often the renter's responsibility. In some cases, landlords give free rein to renters that are willing and eager to engage in gardening or yard work. But it is always appropriate to ask before undertaking any significant projects on property that is not your own :-) However, if the offending shrub/tree is interferring with access, removal or pruning to clear the way is definitely in order regardless of who does it. It is also likely a requirement of emergency services.

hey gal.. under your logic... one could clear cut the landlords property ....

i fully understand lawn care..

but having at it on a 40 year old specimen.. whether it blocks the door or not..

is PROBABLY best done with permission ...

most likely it is not an issue... but better to find out in advance.. rather than to be out there.. trying to staple or duct tape the thing back together ...

ken

Ken's not really rude! He just sometimes comes across the way he does because he writes as he thinks (stream of conscience). Ken's actually pretty knowledgeable and often provides highly valuable insights. Not everyone's style is the same, and sometimes it's hard to judge people's emotions unless you get to know them. I know Ken well enough to know he wasn't trying to be rude at all.

Picture a male version of Sophia Petrillo on the Golden Girls. Just kidd'n Ken. ROFLMBO