Yew Trees are an elegant tree for hedging containers or stand-alone specimens. Their relatively slow growth and slender silhouette make them perfectly suited for small space gardens. They can also thrive in lower light conditions where other evergreens might fail. Yew Trees have been a classic staple for hundreds of years of fine English and French historical gardens and parks.
Best Planting Practices for Yew Trees
• Part shade is best but can handle full sun to full shade.
• Well drained soil is essential.
• Will start to yellow or brown if planted in wet or saturated soil.
• Can be pruned hard into old wood, will re sprout from the base.
• Best pruning times are early spring and late winter.
• If creating hedge, have slightly thinner top and slightly wider shape to help with snow load.
• Can handle a wide variety of PH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
• Very important to keep your new yew tree well watered for first summer, once established it can handle some dry periods.
• Must have well drained soil.
• Can fertilize with slow release evergreen food in the early and mid spring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yew Trees
1. When To Plant A Yew Tree?
Best planting times for Yew Trees on the West Coast are Spring and Fall.
2. How To Identify A Yew Tree?
Dark green, short blunt tipped needles in single rows, held flat on either side of the stem.
3. How To Prune A Yew Tree?
If pruning for hedge, the best time is early spring and prune thinner on the top and wider on the bottom so heavy snow is shed from plants and do not peel a part.
4. Why Is My Yew Tree Turning Brown or Yellow?
Yew Trees are extremely sensitive to poor drainage. Check your drainage and ensure your Yew Tree is not standing or sitting in water at any time of the year. Another reason for discoloration could be sidewalk salt interfering with the PH levels of your soil.
5. Are Yew Tree Berries Poisonous?
Yes, if ingested, all parts of the yew trees are poisonous and the seeds in the berries are toxic as well.
