The yew is an evergreen conifer that is native to our latitudes. So it copes well with our conditions, is very robust and can be easily cut into shape. That is why the yew tree is rightly so popular as a hedge.

A straight hedge can be created with the help of a cord

Yews are very suitable as hedge plants

Are you looking for a hedge plant that is evergreen, easy to care for and also opaque? Then the yew as a hedge could be the right choice. Yews can cope with most locations, can be heavily pruned and even trimmed into special shapes.

However, the yew is a very slow-growing tree, so it takes some time to grow a taller hedge. If you don't want to wait that long, buy slightly larger pre-grown plants right away.

A yew hedge does not require much care if you pay attention to a few things when planting.

The right location

The yew prefers a location in partial shade. It tolerates both sun and full shade. However, the sun exposure is very hard on the young plants. However, the sun no longer affects older plants.

In heavily shaded areas, the already slow growth of the yew hedge is additionally delayed.

Prepare planting site and plant yew trees

  • tighten the cord
  • dig holes
  • create drainage
  • Improve potting soil with compost, horn shavings (32.93€).
  • Water the root ball for 24 hours
  • set yews
  • fill earth
  • approach carefully
  • water well
  • water frequently in the first few months

Make sure that there is no waterlogging, because the yew doesn't like it at all. Therefore, remove thickenings in the ground and create a drainage of sand and gravel.

You have to reckon with three to four yew trees per meter of hedge. Do not plant too densely to prevent later fungal attack.

Proper care of yew in the hedge

In order to accelerate the growth of the yew hedge, you should fertilize in the spring. To do this, you either use slow-release fertilizer or you work mature compost, deposited horse manure and some lime into the soil.

In the first few years, you must water the hedge regularly so that it does not dry out. Later you only need to water in very dry summers and winters.

Cut yew hedge

Cut back the hedge immediately after planting. Yews easily tolerate heavy pruning. The more you cut, the faster the yew hedge will become dense.

Cut the hedge twice a year - once in spring before new growth and once in late summer.

If the hedge becomes bare over time, cut it back so that light can reach the lower regions again. The yew will then sprout again and the yew hedge will be opaque again after a while.

tips

Before you plan a yew hedge, think carefully about where you want to put the trees. Yews are highly poisonous and a real hazard in gardens with children or in the vicinity of domestic and grazing animals.

Category:

Trees