Yew trees usually don't get sick so quickly. The robust native tree can cope with almost all weather conditions and locations. However, illnesses occasionally occur when location or care errors are made. What diseases can occur?
What diseases can affect yew trees?
Yew trees can suffer from root rot, fungal infestation and pest infestation such as scale insects, black weevils or gall wasps. A good choice of location, sufficient nutrients and appropriate care help to avoid these diseases.
Anomalies indicate diseases of the yew tree
The best way to recognize that your yew tree is sick is by the discoloration of the needles. These become light, yellow or brown, become soft or even fall off. Sometimes they also look crippled.
As soon as you notice any changes to the needles, you should inspect the tree for diseases or pests.
What diseases and pests can occur?
- Root rot
- Fungal infestation
- Pest Infestation
Mostly responsible for care errors
Root rot and fungal infestation almost always indicate an unfavorable location and care errors. The soil is too moist, causing waterlogging. The tree receives too few nutrients or is too close to other plants.
Make sure that the soil is permeable to water when planting. If necessary, install a drainage system. Improve the soil with mature compost, horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon) or lime.
Protect young trees from excessive sunlight, even in winter.
Fungal infestation is difficult to treat
If the yew tree is infected with fungi, there is little you can do. Severely infected trees must be dug up and disposed of. If the fungal infestation is not too severe, it can help to cut off all the branches and also save the needles. Dispose of the plant parts carefully.
Diseases caused by pests
The scale insect that bothers the yew tree the most. It is difficult to fight. Disrupt ant trails and use biological pest control such as parasitic wasps.
The black weevil, which hides in the ground, eats the needles and digs tunnels in the trunk. You can use nematodes against it, which eat the larvae from the inside.
Gall wasps are not quite as harmful. They cause the needles to become stunted and form small, round bumps on the branches. Cut off affected branches generously and dispose of them with household waste.
Tip
Choose a favorable location for your yew tree right from the start. Waterlogging is absolutely harmful. Young trees also don't like too much direct sunlight.
