As an evergreen conifer, the yew is a popular plant for gardens. It can be grown not only as a single tree, but also as a hedge plant or in a container. The care is not complicated. What do you have to consider when caring for the yew tree?
How do you properly care for a yew tree?
When caring for yew trees, it is important to water regularly without waterlogging, fertilize in spring if necessary, carefully transplant, cut back except in mid-summer and additional watering in dry winters. Pests and diseases are rare because yew trees are very robust.
How do you water the yew tree correctly?
Yew trees cannot tolerate waterlogging. Water regularly, especially when it is very dry. For potted plants, make sure that the water can drain away.
When and how is the yew tree fertilized?
Fertilizing is not absolutely necessary. However, it helps to accelerate growth if you supply the yew trees with slow-release fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon) or compost in the spring.
Can you transplant a yew tree?
Transplanting a yew tree is difficult because of its long roots. Only younger trees can be dug up without suffering too much damage.
How do you prune a yew tree?
You can cut yew trees all year round. You should only avoid it in midsummer. The yew tree becomes particularly dense if it is pruned twice a year. The trees can also tolerate severe pruning down to the cane and sprout again reliably.
The yew tree can be easily cut into any shape you want, from a ball to an animal shape. Make a template for this.
Even if the yew tree is highly poisonous, you can compost the cuttings. The poison decomposes over time.
What diseases and pests can occur?
- Root rot
- Fungal diseases
- Pest Infestation
Yew trees are very robust and rarely suffer from diseases or pests. Care errors or unfavorable locations are usually responsible for illnesses.
If the yew tree has yellow or brown needles, if they fall off or look stunted, you should investigate the causes.
Does the yew tree need special care in winter?
The yew tree is absolutely hardy and can tolerate even the lowest temperatures.
However, in dry winters you should water it additionally on frost-free days so that the tree does not dry out.
Tip
The fruits of the yew tree are edible, but the seeds are highly poisonous. The fruits, which resemble berries, are very popular with birds. That's why planting yew trees makes a lot of sense from an ecological point of view.
