Yews are planted both as individual trees and in the hedge. The evergreen conifer can even be used as a border for grave sites. As a solitary tree, they offer a particularly decorative appearance if they are not planted too close to other trees.
What is the correct planting distance for yew trees?
The planting distance for yews depends on the use: For solitary trees, a distance of at least 2 meters is recommended, while yews should be planted in hedges at a distance of 30 cm (smaller trees) or 50-60 cm (larger trees). Walls and sidewalks do not affect the root growth of the yew tree.
What is the planting distance for yew trees?
The planting distance for yews depends on whether you are planting a columnar yew for a hedge or another type of yew, for example.
Pillar yews form less pronounced crowns and can therefore be planted more densely. Individual trees need more space, especially if they are grown as topiaries. Only then do they really come into their own.
Planting distance as a solitary tree
If you plan to trim the yew to shape, leave enough space between it and other trees. This is the only way to make the tree a real eye-catcher.
Two meters of planting distance is sufficient because yew trees grow relatively slowly.
Planting distance in the yew hedge
The planting distance of the yew as a hedge plant depends on whether you buy smaller trees or slightly larger specimens so that the hedge grows tall and dense more quickly.
Smaller yew trees should be planted about 30 cm apart; the planting distance for larger trees should be 50 to 60 cm.
When planting a yew hedge, it is advisable to dig a planting trench. This should be deep enough to accommodate the root ball. The advantage of the planting trench is that you can later correct the planting distance of the yew trees and space the trees closer or further apart.
Distance to walls and sidewalks
Yew trees are deep-rooted and only develop very weak lateral roots. It is therefore no problem to plant a yew tree near a building or sidewalk.
Neither the masonry nor the paving slabs are damaged by the roots.
Tip
The growth of the yew tree can be accelerated by planting the young trees in soil enriched with humus and lime. Annual fertilizer applications in the first few years are also useful. By cutting you promote the formation of new side branches, which make the hedge opaque sooner.