David Beaulieu is a seasoned professional in landscaping and a skilled plant photographer, boasting two decades of expertise in the field.
The yew genus encompasses numerous types of evergreen trees and shrubs that require minimal maintenance and can thrive in various growing environments. These versatile plants are ideal for landscaping and can enhance a garden border or be effectively utilized in large groupings.
Yew, characterized by its striking red berries, has been around long before the custom of the Christmas tree and is frequently seen in churchyards. During the festive season, its branches are typically harvested and utilized in natural Christmas decorations, much like holly.
Yew is a type of conifer that produces cones rather than flowers, and it is characterized by its evergreen needles, which come in a diverse range of sizes and shapes. It’s important to be aware that yew can be harmful to both humans and animals.
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Yew Maintenance
In garden design, yew is frequently utilized as a foundational plant positioned at the front of homes. It is also a popular choice for hedges and topiary creations. The types selected for privacy hedges are generally taller and narrower, as the additional height is essential for effective screening.
In comparison, yews that have a low growth habit are better suited for serving as foundation plants or for creating low decorative hedges.
Proper drainage is essential for thriving yew plants, as overly wet soil can lead to fungal diseases. Overall, yew is relatively easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering, along with annual fertilization and pruning.
Light
Yew can thrive in full sunlight, partial shade, or even complete shade. To ensure robust and vibrant growth, it’s best to choose a location that receives a few hours of sunlight daily. Excessive shade may lead to weak and spindly growth.
Soil
Yew can adapt to various soil conditions, provided there is adequate drainage. It flourishes in fertile, loamy soil with a pH that is neutral to slightly acidic. Interestingly, it can also grow well in dense clay. Nevertheless, locations that retain water can lead to root rot.
Water
Yew thrives best with a balanced level of soil moisture, but it can withstand brief spells of dryness or excessive watering, provided that the roots do not remain submerged in water.
In the initial year of planting yew, ensure to water it on a weekly basis to keep the soil consistently moist. Following this period, weekly watering is only necessary during dry spells when rainfall is insufficient to meet the plant’s moisture needs.
Climate Conditions: Temperature and Moisture Levels
The hardiness zones for yew differ depending on the species. Overall, this plant struggles with extended periods of extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, and thrives best in locations that offer protection from harsh winter winds.
Yew generally does well with humidity, but it may face challenges during particularly hot and humid summer conditions.
Fertilizer
In early spring, one year after planting, apply fertilizer to your yew. To enhance the soil, spread a 1-inch layer of mulch or compost, starting a foot from the trunk and extending to the drip line, where rainwater falls from the outermost branches.
A granular fertilizer rich in nitrogen can be applied by raking it into the soil, beginning one foot from the trunk and reaching out to the drip line. Be sure to consult the product instructions for the appropriate quantity to use, and consider applying a bit less than the suggested amount to avoid the risk of over-fertilizing.
Varieties of Yew
More than 400 varieties of yew exist, with a significant number originating from Taxus baccata (European yew) or Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew). The varieties that are most favored for landscaping purposes are:
- T. baccata ‘Repandens’ typically reaches a height of about 2 to 4 feet and spreads 12 to 15 feet in width, making it a popular choice for foundation landscaping or as low hedges.
- T. canadensis, commonly referred to as Canadian yew, exhibits a sprawling growth pattern, attaining a height of approximately 4 feet and a width of 7 feet.
- T. baccata ‘Fastigiata’ features a columnar form, reaching heights of 15 to 30 feet and widths of 4 to 8 feet. This variety is commonly utilized for creating privacy hedges.
- T. cuspidata ‘Monloo’ is a cultivar that reaches a height of 3 feet at maturity and can spread between 8 and 10 feet. It is often utilized for foundation plantings or for creating low hedges.
- Taxus ? media ‘Hicksii’ is a distinct variety commonly utilized for creating privacy hedges. This cultivar has a columnar form, reaching a height of 15 feet and a width of 20 feet.
Pruning
An overgrown yew can be revitalized through effective pruning, allowing you to shape it according to your desires. Although annual pruning isn’t necessary, it can be a beneficial practice that encourages vibrant growth.
Trim yew trees in early spring, prior to the emergence of new leaves. Utilize hand pruners or loppers to shorten branches at their joints. As you notice them, eliminate any dead, damaged, or unhealthy branches.
Cultivating Yew
The most effective method for propagating yew is by using cuttings. Although this approach requires some patience, it is quicker than growing yew from seeds, which may take several years to sprout. Additionally, cuttings produce new plants that are genetically identical to the original.
Here’s a guide on how to propagate yew using cuttings:
- Collect pruning shears, rooting hormone, containers, sand, and potting mix.
- In late summer or early autumn, obtain cuttings that are 4 to 6 inches long from your yew plant. Ensure that you are selecting stems from the softwood, or the fresh growth, section of the plant.
- Immerse each cutting in rooting powder and position it in a container filled with damp sand.
- Move the pots to a well-lit spot and ensure the sand remains damp.
- After a few weeks, check the ends of the cuttings to determine if roots have developed.
- After that, fill the containers with potting mix, give them a good watering, and carefully insert the freshly rooted cuttings into the soil, ensuring that the roots are completely covered.
Transplanting and Replanting Yew
Like many evergreen plants, yew thrives in pots and can often be left outdoors in warmer regions throughout the year. Its slow growth in containers makes yew an excellent option for those looking to create an impressive focal point at an entrance or to line a pathway.
Place your yew in a clay or terra-cotta container with adequate drainage, ensuring it is watered consistently, but avoid over-saturation throughout the year. As autumn approaches, move your yew to a spot with partial shade, since the combination of warm daytime temperatures and significantly cooler nights can be taxing for the plant.
After several years in a pot, it’s time to move your yew into the soil.
Overwintering
In many climates, yew trees that are planted directly in the soil can withstand chilly winter temperatures without the need for any protective measures. To avoid problems and maintain the health of the needles, it is advisable to water yew trees regularly in the autumn until the ground freezes.
Positioning yew trees on the north side of a structure can help avoid winter needle burn, a phenomenon where the needles warm during the day and subsequently freeze at night.
Frequent Pests
Yew trees can be susceptible to various pests that feed on evergreen sap, such as mealybugs and scale insects. These pests survive the winter in their nymph stage and reappear in the spring to feed as they develop. An infestation can lead to the loss of needles, yellowing of branches, dieback, and the onset of mold problems.
Mealybugs and scale insects are difficult to manage with insecticides due to their resistance to many chemical treatments. To tackle an infestation, use a strong spray from a garden hose to dislodge the pests, and consider removing any older, unhealthy plants that may be contributing to the problem.
You can also apply a targeted treatment using a 70 percent diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to test it on a small area of the plant to check for any potential damage, and use it weekly until the pest problem is resolved.
Frequent Issues Associated with Yew Trees
Root Decay
Root rot, often referred to as wet feet, is a frequent issue encountered with yew plants. These plants are particularly sensitive to waterlogged soil, which can lead to their demise. Conversely, insufficient watering can lead to comparable problems. Adhering to a consistent watering routine can help prevent both root rot as well as the yellowing of branches and needles.
Damage Caused by Snow
Intense snowfall can lead to winter-related issues such as shattered branches and discolored needles. Following a significant snowfall, it’s important to clear away any remaining snow to mitigate these risks. Additionally, pruning in late summer can assist a yew plant or tree in reducing the likelihood of damage during storms.
What is the typical lifespan of a yew tree?
Yew hedges and trees can enjoy remarkably lengthy lifespans when cared for appropriately. Certain European English yew trees have been known to reach ages between 1,500 and 3,000 years. These trees and hedges possess the remarkable ability to regenerate, and their flexible branches can even take root again. Consequently, yew has come to represent the concept of immortality.
What causes yew trees to exude sap?
Yew trees frequently exude a deep red sap when they suffer from injuries such as breaks or winter-related damage. Typically, this is not a cause for alarm, as yew trees tend to heal from such bleeding quite readily.
What are the applications of yew wood?
Custom-made wooden bows are typically constructed using a blend of sapwood and heartwood sourced from fully grown yew trees. The sapwood, which is the lighter-colored wood located just beneath the bark, serves as the back of the bow and is particularly strong under tension, making it an ideal choice for this hunting implement.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing yew trees?
Yew is typically easy to care for and offers consistent, thick greenery for garden design. Nevertheless, this genus grows at a relatively slow pace, and every part of the plant is poisonous.
