Which is it? Podocarpus or Taxus?

Yews can be pruned in spring before growth begins or late summer so new growth can harden off before freezing.

I would guess that Podocarpus could be pruned anytime, but would defer to those more knowledgeable about its culture.

Al

I've been waiting to see what the heck kind of plant this is, too, Al! I suspect that he/she might be referring to a podocarpus, probably what is called Japanese Yew just to confuse everyone. In the SE, where they are very popular, pruning would never be recommended at this time of year as axillary growth can still be stimulated. SE (zone 8) winters can be full of freezing temperatures.

I don't know if the same cultural rules would follow in the PNW, however.

I apologize for not naming the plant correctly. Yes it is a Japanese Yew. Thank you for the information. It is much appreciated. As you can tell I am newbie. I will not prune until spring.