Removing the roots of a yew tree presents the garden owner with a real challenge. It is not that easy to clear the roots of this conifer - at least not when the yew is older. How can you remove the root of a yew tree?
How to remove the root of a yew tree?
To remove the root of a yew tree, you can dig it up, use biological or chemical means, or cover the root with foil. Patience is required with each method as the root system runs very deep and is stubborn.
Yews have deep roots
The yew tree has a strong main root that extends into the depths. It also has lots of small, delicate roots that hide directly underground, among other things.
Thanks to this root formation, an older yew tree can easily support itself, even if it has been very dry for a long time or the soil does not contain as many nutrients.
The root system also prevents you from being able to remove a yew tree from the garden so easily. Not only is digging out hard work - new shoots are also constantly forming from small root remnants.
Dig up the roots of the yew tree
If you want to transplant the yew tree, you have to get the roots out of the ground as completely as possible without bending or breaking them. To do this, you will have to dig deep depending on the age of the yew tree.
For larger trees, you will need heavy equipment because the roots are not only extensive, but also very heavy.
Remove roots by biological and chemical means
If the yew tree has already been felled, you can try to remove the roots using biological or chemical means.
To do this, drill small holes in the remaining roots and fill with compost starter (€9.00 at Amazon). There are also chemical agents that ensure rapid decomposition, but you should avoid using them if possible to avoid affecting the he alth of the soil.
It takes a long time for the rootstock of the yew tree to disappear in this way.
Cover yew root with foil
If you want to save yourself digging, saw off the top of the root as much as possible. Stretch a firm film over the root residue and fill the area with soil.
The film prevents new shoots from shooting. However, other shoots usually grow next to the rootstock, which you have to continually remove by hand.
Tip
It takes quite a while until the yew tree produces flowers for the first time and female trees later produce fruit. It takes up to 20 years and sometimes longer for yew trees to become fruitful.
