As a native tree, the yew is well adapted to the local weather and soil conditions. It gets along well with few nutrients. Fertilizing is therefore not absolutely necessary. Fertilization is only recommended if you want to accelerate growth. When, how and with what is the best way to fertilize a yew tree?
How do you properly fertilize a yew tree?
Yew trees can be supplied with compost, slow-release fertilizer or natural fertilizers in the spring before new growth. Soil improvement before planting and mulching with garden waste increases nutrient supply and promotes he althy growth.
When does it make sense to fertilize a yew tree?
Yews are deep-rooted trees that form a very fine root system. They therefore largely provide themselves with nutrients as soon as the trees are large enough. However, fertilization can be useful to accelerate growth or to loosen dense soils.
Which fertilizers are suitable?
There are a whole range of fertilizers that are suitable for yew trees:
- Long-term fertilizer
- Compost
- Horn shavings
- Rock flour
- Horse manure (deposited!)
- Leaves
- Lawn cutting
If you buy long-term fertilizer (€9.00 at Amazon) from specialist retailers, use special yew fertilizer. But this is not absolutely necessary, natural fertilizers such as garden residues are just as suitable and much cheaper!
Mulch the soil
The best way to provide a yew tree with lots of nutrients and to ensure that the soil is loose is to mulch. To do this, place fallen leaves, grass clippings (without seeds!) or other garden waste under the trees.
Make sure the foliage comes from he althy trees.
The mulching material decomposes over time, releasing nutrients that penetrate the soil. At the same time, by applying a layer of mulch you prevent other, unwanted plants from spreading under the trees.
The right time to fertilize yew trees
If you want to do something good for your yew tree, provide it with some compost every spring shortly before new growth. This is spread and lightly worked into the ground with a rake.
Long-term fertilizer is also administered in spring. It is spread or watered according to the instructions on the packaging. This also applies if you use natural fertilizers such as manure or horn shavings for fertilization.
You can apply a layer of mulch whenever garden waste occurs. Ideally, you should renew them every spring.
Improve the soil before planting
The soil can be enriched with sufficient nutrients before planting, so that you hardly have to fertilize later.
Loosen the soil well and remove stones and thickenings. Yew trees are not demanding, but they do not like waterlogging. Mix mature compost or a few horn shavings into the garden soil and then plant the yew.
Tip
Even though the yew is a highly poisonous tree, you can safely compost cut branches and needles. The taxine it contains is broken down by bacteria, so it poses no danger. If possible, you should shred the cuttings beforehand so that the rotting process goes faster.
