It is rare for yew trees to suffer from fungal infections. A combination of various causes is usually responsible for fungal infestation, especially the wilt fungus. How do you recognize a fungal infestation and what can you do about it?
How do I recognize a fungal infection on yew trees and what can I do about it?
A fungal attack on yew trees is manifested by soft, light-colored needles that fall off. Causes can include excessively wet weather, waterlogging, dense plantings and poor care. Affected parts of the plant should be removed, the soil loosened and supplied with nutrients to save the yew.
Signs of a fungal attack on the yew tree
If the needles of the yew tree become soft, turn light in color and fall off, you should think about a fungal infection and examine the trees for it. If there are no traces of feeding by pests, fungal infestation is likely.
Possible causes of fungal infestation
- Too wet weather
- Waterlogging in the ground
- Yew trees are too close together
- poor condition of the yew trees
Fungal infestation on the yew tree cannot be treated
If the yew tree is infected with a fungus, there is not much you can do about it. Often the yew tree can no longer be saved.
If the yew tree still has a few he althy branches, you should take action immediately. The first step is to radically cut off all affected parts of the plant. Dispose of them in household waste. Under no circumstances should you compost such waste, as the fungus will then spread even further. If the soil is too compacted, carefully try to loosen it. If possible, create a drainage system.
Give the yew trees additional fertilizer and water them with growth aid (€11.00 at Amazon) from the gardening store. Yew trees are very robust. They usually recover after a while.
Prevent fungal infestation when planting
To prevent your yew trees from becoming infected with fungus, you should follow a few rules when planting.
Make sure that the soil is well loosened, has no thickening and that rainwater can drain off easily. Improve the soil by adding mature compost, horn shavings and some lime. Then the tree gets enough nutrients.
Don't plant yews too close together, especially in the hedge. Then the air can circulate better and fungi cannot spread as quickly.
Tip
If the needles turn yellow or brown, in addition to fungal infestation, pests such as scale insects can also be the cause. Examine the yew trees carefully and, if necessary, consult a specialist.