Get rid of the rocks on both yews right away and let the soil breathe. Check to see if the soil is too wet on the problem shrub. Then do what you have to to get the water away from the shrub. Don't put the rocks back--they are not good for your yews.

Another unfortunate possibility is the BLACK VINE WEEVIL. This imported insect has become a real problem for a number of shrubs but yews are one of its favorites. They hide in the soil in the daytime and come out at night to feed on the foliage. They will kill yews pretty fast. They do like moist soil too, another reason to fix that problem.

There is an Ortho product for this insect. I used it effectively but you have to follow directions carefully. First, Google "black vine weevil" to learn what you can. I can't say for sure that is your problem but it is worth checking out. Act fast--these insects will kill your shrub fast.

and if one dies... don't worry about it.. remove both.. and replace with a better plant for the spot ...

most conifers prefer full sun and dry feet ... and maybe these had those parameters years ago .... and perhaps they are poorly sited now ..

change is not necessarily bad .. its an opportunity to put your imprint on the house...

one plant that does like reduced sun .. and damp feet... is the azalea/rhododendron family .. proof of which is what i think are rhodies just above the yews ...

good luck

ken

I'm not sure there is anything you can do. If the root system has been compromised by poor drainage/gutter problem it is just a matter of time whether the plant will survive or fail completely. If you are convinced the water/drainage issue has been resolved, I'd play a bit of a waiting game to see how the plant will respond - it may come back or it may not. If not, it will give you an opportunity to select something else for that location, perhaps with a bit more character than a lump of green yew.

As to removing the rocks, that is not necessary. They do not prevent the soil from "breathing", in fact rocks are very commonly used as a mulch in many areas. Personally, I would prefer an organic mulch, but rocks can be effective as well in specific situations.

I'd also be a bit leery about how much damage vine weevils could do to a 30 y.o. established shrub. The adults only do cosmetic damage and this should be easily visible if this is the case. The larvae, if present in high enough numbers, can damage feeder roots, but on an established plant such as this, the roots are typically regenerated faster than the larvae can remove. It is HIGHLY unusual for a mature, established plant to fall prey to vine weevils. There is a possibility that the combination of both bad drainage or standing water AND weevils have gotten your yew where it is today, but I'd put my money on the drainage problem first.

Thanks for all the advice. The rocks have always been there, but are not necessary. I have never neatened them up so they look half buried and scraggly. I will for now remove the rocks on the bad bush.

At this time of the year, with the limited sun, when the sun does shine on them in the evening, it comes in from that side. Maybe the direct sun on the soil will help dry it out. Then when it gets colder I will probably put the rocks back to protect the area. In the spring I will remove the rocks from both sides, and when we re-mulch the rest of the beds, I will have the natural mulch there instead.

I don't see any signs of insects, but I will read up on them to make sure before ruling that out. Is there any work I could do now to expedite drying the soil? Maybe I could use narrow stakes to make really deep holes in the area (deep aeration). Is this done, can it be helpful? It's raining today, I might go out and umbrella my poor baby. But I figure I have several more weeks of 60+ sunny weather to work on this problem. Thanks in advance for any tips. And thanks for following up so quickly.