If a yew tree needles heavily, this does not always have to be a sign of disease or a mistake in care. Often completely natural causes are responsible for this. Of course, diseases or pest infestations can also cause the yew tree to lose a lot of needles.
Why does a yew tree lose needles?
A yew tree loses needles due to natural needle shedding, diseases, pests, fungal infestation or care errors. While yellow or brown needles indicate pests or fungi, excessive needle shedding inside the yew indicates a natural process.
Yew tree loses needles – what causes this?
- Natural needle shedding
- Diseases
- Pests
- Fungal infestation
- Care errors
Every four to seven years, garden owners complain that the yew needs heavily. Often the entire ground beneath the tree is covered. If the needles fall off, especially inside the yew, it is a natural cause. The yew then sheds the old needles.
Yew tree diseases are very rare and are usually due to care errors.
If the fresh needles also turn brown or yellow and are shed, you should definitely keep an eye out for pests or fungal infestation.
Identifying pest infestations on the yew tree
Lice, especially scale insects, appear more often. While you can usually see lice with the naked eye, scale insects are very tiny. Watch out for ant trails leading to the trunk of the yew tree. They are a sign of lice infestation.
Fungal diseases of the yew tree
Fungal infestation is less likely to result in needle drop. The needles usually turn yellow and soft. You can treat a fungal infestation by cutting back the yew tree.
Yew needs heavily because it has dried up
A more common problem when caring for the yew tree is dryness. The tree evaporates a lot of water through its needles. If it doesn't get enough moisture in dry times, the needles dry out and fall off.
This also applies to winter. That's why you should think about the yew trees in the garden even in winter on frost-free days.
Older trees usually do not require any additional care. They can take care of themselves very well thanks to their long, deep roots. Only younger and freshly planted yew trees should be watered and fertilized regularly.
Tip
A weakened yew tree suffers particularly badly from diseases and pests. Make sure that the yew tree receives sufficient nutrients by adding fertilizer. Water in very dry times without allowing waterlogging to occur.
