Yew Care Guide

YEW (TAXUS BACCATA) - CARE GUIDE

PREPARATION FOR PLANTING
It is important to understand that Yew does not like being wet or having its roots in water so good drainage is essential. Prepare the ground well before planting by adding organic matter and sharp sand and grit if your soil tends to waterlog. Make sure the ground is drained before planting.
WATERING
It is vital to water Yew in the dry summer months. For Yew grown in containers, it will need watering at least twice a week. If you are establishing a Yew hedge, thorough regular watering will insure that the hedge grows quickly. An irrigation system laid when the hedge is planted is a reliable way to water consistently.
FEEDING
Liquid feed plants in containers every three weeks and once a month for plants in the open ground. In addition a maintenance feed of Osmocote during the winter months will be beneficial. Once established open ground plants do not require
feeding.
PESTS
Yew can be susceptible to vine weevil which can be prevented by drenching the roots in a suitable chemical or biological control diluted in water. Do this at the end of June or the beginning of July to attack any grubs which may be eating the roots.
CLIPPING
The usual time to clip Yew is in August and September but it is possible to cut it at any time of the year. If you clip in August then you will not need to clip it again until the same time the following year. If you clip in the spring then you will need to give it another small clip in the autumn to tidy up the summer growth.

If you have any further queries or problems you can contact us and we will do our very best to help.