The yew is an evergreen conifer that is native to our latitudes. It copes well with our conditions, is very robust and can be easily cut into shape. That's why the yew tree is so popular as a hedge.
Why is the yew tree suitable as a hedge?
The yew hedge is a popular, evergreen and easy-care choice for garden owners. It prefers partially shaded locations, tolerates pruning and offers privacy protection thanks to its dense growth. Make sure there is enough planting distance and avoid waterlogging when planting the hedge.
Yews are very suitable as hedge plants
Are you looking for a hedge plant that is evergreen, easy to care for and opaque? Then the yew could be the right choice as a hedge. Yew trees can cope with most locations, can be heavily pruned and even cut into special shapes.
However, the yew is a very slow-growing tree, so it takes some time to create a taller hedge. If you don't want to wait that long, buy larger plants straight away.
A yew hedge doesn't need much care if you pay attention to a few things when planting.
The right location
The yew prefers a location in partial shade. It also tolerates sun and complete shade. However, the sun's rays are very hard on the young plants. But the sun no longer bothers older plants.
In heavily shaded areas, the already slow growth of the yew hedge is further delayed.
Prepare the planting site and plant yew trees
- Tighten the cord
- Dig holes
- Create drainage
- Improve potting soil with compost, horn shavings
- Water root ball for 24 hours
- Setting yew trees
- Pill earth
- come carefully
- pour well
- water frequently in the first few months
Make sure that there is no waterlogging, as the yew tree doesn't like this at all. Therefore, remove thickened soil and create drainage made of sand and gravel.
You should expect three to four yew trees per meter of hedge. Do not plant too densely to prevent later fungal infestation.
Properly care for the yew tree in the hedge
To accelerate the growth of the yew hedge, you should fertilize in spring. To do this, you either use long-term fertilizer (€10.00 on Amazon) or you work mature compost, seasoned horse manure and some lime into the soil.
In the first few years you have to water the hedge regularly so that it doesn't dry out. Later you only need to water in very dry summers and winters.
Cutting the yew hedge
Cut back the hedge immediately after planting. Yew trees tolerate severe pruning without any problems. The more you cut, the faster the yew hedge will become dense.
Cut the hedge twice a year - once in the spring before new growth and once in late summer.
If the hedge becomes bare over time, shorten it significantly so that light reaches the lower regions again. The yew then sprouts again and after a while the yew hedge is beautifully opaque again.
Tip
Before you plan a yew hedge, think carefully about where you want to plant the trees. Yew trees are highly poisonous and pose a real danger to gardens with children or around pets and grazing animals.