English Yew Hedge: The Complete Guide

English Yew Hedge: The Complete Guide

English yew hedges are a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen hedge. They are also known for their beauty and versatility, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about growing and maintaining an English yew hedge. We will cover topics such as:

• Choosing the right location
• Planting and caring for your hedge
• Shaping and trimming your hedge
• Dealing with pests and diseases
• Propagating your own yew hedge

Choosing the right location

English yews are hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, they do best in full sun or partial shade and in well-drained soil. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to choose a location that provides some afternoon shade.

When choosing a location for your yew hedge, it is important to consider the size that you want it to grow to. English yews can grow to be quite large, so you will need to make sure that you have enough space. You should also consider the purpose of your hedge. If you want it to provide privacy, you will need to plant it further apart. If you want it to be a decorative feature, you can plant it closer together.

Planting and caring for your hedge

English yews can be planted in the spring or fall. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant. Add some compost or other organic matter to the soil and mix it in well. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down firmly. Water the plant well and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

English yews are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, they will need some water during the first year after planting. Once they are established, they are quite drought-tolerant. You should also fertilize your yew hedge once a year in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.

Shaping and trimming your hedge

English yews can be shaped and trimmed into a variety of different forms. If you want a formal hedge, you will need to trim it regularly. You can use hedge trimmers or shears to shape your hedge. If you want a more natural-looking hedge, you can simply trim it to remove any dead or diseased branches.

You should trim your yew hedge in the spring or fall. If you trim it in the summer, it may brown and lose its leaves. When trimming, be sure to cut back to the healthy green wood.

Dealing with pests and diseases

English yews are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to yew scale, yew blight, and yew leaf spot. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, you should treat them immediately. You can use a pesticide or fungicide to treat the problem.

Propagating your own yew hedge

English yews can be propagated from seed or cuttings. If you want to propagate from seed, you will need to sow the seeds in the fall. The seeds will need to be cold- stratified for about 6 weeks before they will germinate.

If you want to propagate from cuttings, you will need to take cuttings in the spring or fall. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have at least 3 nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm location. They should root in about 6 weeks.

Conclusion

English yew hedges are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and maintain, and they can provide privacy, security, and beauty for many years to come.

English yew hedges are a classic choice for British gardens. They are dense, evergreen, and easy to care for, making them perfect for creating a formal or informal hedge. If you are considering planting an English yew hedge, I recommend visiting Garden Wiki. This website has a wealth of information on English yew hedges, including:

• Planting and care instructions
• Different types of English yew hedges
• How to shape and trim your hedge
• Pests and diseases to watch out for

I also like that Garden Wiki provides a forum where you can ask questions and get advice from other gardeners. This is a great resource if you are new to gardening or if you have any specific questions about English yew hedges.

FAQ of english yew hedge

1. How tall and wide does an English yew hedge grow?

English yew hedges can grow to be 20-25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide if left to grow naturally. However, they can be easily pruned to stay within a smaller size.

2. How much sun and shade does an English yew hedge need?

English yews prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. They are not tolerant of drought, so they should be watered regularly during hot, dry weather.

3. What is the best time to plant an English yew hedge?

English yews can be planted in the spring or fall. However, they are more likely to survive if planted in the spring.

4. How often should an English yew hedge be pruned?

English yews should be pruned at least once a year in the spring or fall. However, they may need to be pruned more often if you want to keep them in a specific shape.

5. Is English yew hedge poisonous?

Yes, English yew hedge is poisonous. The leaves, seeds, and bark contain a toxin called taxine, which can be fatal if ingested. Therefore, it is important to keep English yew hedges away from children and pets.

Image of english yew hedge

5 different images of English yew hedge from Pinterest:

• A tall, formal yew hedge in a stately home garden.
• A low, informal yew hedge that borders a walkway in a park.
• A yew hedge that has been shaped into a spiral.
• A yew hedge that has been planted in a circle to create a private space.
• A yew hedge that has been used to create a backdrop for a flower garden.