- Yews are deep-rooted with a dense root system
- Roots are poisonous!
- Yews do not tolerate transplanting very well
- Remove yew roots from the garden
- Planting distance of the yew to buildings
As a native conifer, the yew is very popular. The tree is strong and resilient and can be cut into any desired shape. You have to be careful when choosing the location, because the roots of the yew tree are difficult to remove later.
Yews are deep roots
Yews are deep-rooted with a dense root system
The yew is a deep rooter. Thanks to its roots, which reach deep into the ground, it can take care of itself very well even in times of drought or when there is a lack of nutrients. However, it must have been at the location for a little longer.
Young yew trees do not yet have such a pronounced root system and must be watered and occasionally fertilized when it is dry.
Roots are poisonous!
The yew is one of the highly poisonous plants. The toxin taxin is also found in the roots. But as long as you don't eat parts of the yew, there is no danger.
In the past, yew was even used as a medicine. Because of its toxicity, it is no longer used today.
Yews do not tolerate transplanting very well
The long roots of older trees are difficult to dig up without damaging the yew. You should therefore only transplant young yew trees whose roots are still small.
Remove yew roots from the garden
Removing the roots of a yew tree from the garden is also a problem. If you don't dig up the tree completely, it will keep sprouting up from the root debris.
A film that you stretch over the rootstock in the ground can help here to prevent new growth.
Planting distance of the yew to buildings
Since the roots mainly reach into the depths, you can plant yews close to buildings or sidewalks. The fine secondary roots are not strong enough to lift paving slabs or damage the masonry, for example.
Even in the hedge, the planting distance does not have to be that large. The roots have enough space if the small yew trees are planted 30 to 50 cm apart.
tips
You can safely burn all parts of the yew in the fireplace, oven or as garden waste, despite the toxin contained in it. The toxins are decomposed and therefore do not pose a health hazard.