- Yew loses needles - What are the causes?
- Recognizing pest infestation of the yew
- Yew fungal diseases
- Yew needles heavily because it has dried up
If a yew tree needles heavily, this does not always have to be a sign of a disease or a mistake in care. Natural causes are often responsible for this. Of course, diseases or pest infestations can also cause the yew to lose many needles.
There can be a number of reasons for the yew tree to have a lot of needles
Yew loses needles - What are the causes?
- Natural needle drop
- Diseases
- pests
- fungus
- care mistakes
Every four to seven years, garden owners complain that the yew is needling heavily. Often the whole ground under the tree is covered. If the needles fall off mainly inside the yew tree, the cause is natural. The yew then sheds the old needles.
Diseases of the yew are very rare and mostly due to care errors.
If the fresh needles also turn brown or yellow and are dropped, you should definitely keep an eye out for pests or fungal infestation.
Recognizing pest infestation of the yew
Lice, especially scale insects, are more common. While you can mostly see lice with the naked eye, scale insects are very tiny. Watch out for ant trails leading up the trunk of the yew tree. They are a sign of lice infestation.
Yew fungal diseases
Fungal attack is less likely to result in needle drop. The needles usually turn yellow and soft. Treat a fungal infestation by cutting back the yew.
Yew needles heavily because it has dried up
A more common problem in yew tree care is drought. The tree evaporates a lot of water through the needles. If it does not get enough moisture during dry periods, the needles will dry up 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 are very self-sufficient thanks to the long, deep roots. Only younger and freshly planted yew trees should be watered and fertilized regularly.
tips
A weakened yew suffers particularly badly from diseases and pests. Ensure that the yew receives sufficient nutrients by adding fertilizer. Water in very dry times without allowing waterlogging to occur.