English yew trees (Taxus baccata) are classic evergreen specimens that have been prized in gardens for centuries With their deep green foliage, tolerance of pruning, and ability to thrive in shade, they are an excellent choice for hedges, screens, specimens, and topiaries Here’s what you need to know about selecting and caring for english yew trees for your own yard.
A Brief Overview of English Yew Trees
Native to Europe, North Africa and Asia, english yew trees have been cultivated since medieval times. They are slow growing evergreen conifers that can reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity, although most landscape specimens are kept much smaller through regular pruning.
The leaves are dark green needles that give the trees a lush, full appearance. Unlike many conifers, english yews can re-sprout even if older branches are cut back to bare wood, making them ideal for frequent trimming and shaping.
English yew trees are either male or female. Female trees produce red berries that attract birds, while male trees produce small flowers that release pollen. Both male and female forms are available.
Choosing an English Yew for Your Yard
English yews are hardy in USDA zones 6-8, thriving with cool summer temperatures They tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions and are also deer resistant
When selecting an english yew tree for your landscape consider the intended purpose. Common uses include
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Hedges and screens: Columnar forms like ‘Fastigiata’ make dense, upright hedges or privacy screens. Lower-growing types like ‘Repandens’ work well for shorter hedges.
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Specimen plants: Let english yews grow into their natural forms as specimen plants. Upright types showcase the tiered, pyramidal shape.
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Topiaries: Trim english yews into formal topiary shapes like spirals, clouds or cones. Their dense growth makes crisp edges.
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Shade gardens: With their tolerance of shade, english yews are ideal for north-facing areas and beneath trees.
You’ll also want to choose between male and female plants. Female trees produce ornamental red berries, but can be messy in pedestrian areas. Male trees are cleaner but do release pollen.
Popular english yew varieties include:
- ‘Fastigiata’ – Narrow upright form to 10 feet tall.
- ‘Repandens’ – Low spreader to 4 feet tall, 8 feet wide.
- ‘David’ – Upright grower with golden yellow new growth.
- ‘Dovastoniana’ – Broad pyramid with heavy berry production.
- ‘Semperaurea’ – Dense conical female with red berries.
Growing and Caring for English Yew Trees
English yew trees thrive with little care. Give them annual fertilization in spring, regular watering during droughts, and yearly pruning to maintain size and shape.
The trees tolerate light shade but grow faster in full sun. Provide well-drained soil and avoid wet, soggy locations. English yews are not drought tolerant and will suffer without sufficient moisture.
Prune english yew trees in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Trim hedges and topiaries as needed during the growing season to hold shape. Even severe pruning of older branches will result in lush new regrowth.
Watch for signs of disease like brown needle blight, especially in areas with poor air circulation. Prevent problems by providing good drainage and airflow.
Buying English Yew Trees for Your Landscape
When buying english yew trees, purchase from a reputable nursery. Inspect trees carefully for any signs of disease, damage or pests. Select plants with healthy green foliage and well-developed branch structures.
English yew trees are available container-grown or balled-and-burlapped. Container varieties establish more quickly but may be more expensive for larger specimens.
Be sure to handle english yews with care during transport to avoid breaking branches. Water the trees regularly after planting to reduce transplant stress. Apply mulch around the base but avoid piling it against the trunks.
With proper selection, planting and care, english yew trees are long-lived evergreen additions to landscapes. Their versatility and classic beauty make them a go-to choice for hedges, specimens, screens and topiary in gardens across many regions.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Yew Trees
Here are answers to some common questions about growing english yew trees:
How fast do english yew trees grow?
English yews are slow growing, adding about 12-24 inches of new growth per year when young. Their growth rate slows as they reach maturity.
How do you prune english yew trees?
Prune english yews in early spring before new growth starts. Trim back shoots or branches as needed to maintain size and shape. Even hard pruning back to bare wood will result in new foliage.
Should I choose male or female english yew trees?
Female english yews produce ornamental red berries but can be messy. Male trees won’t produce berries but do release pollen. Choose based on your landscape needs.
Are english yew trees deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid eating english yew trees. This makes them a good option in areas with high deer populations.
How do I transplant an english yew tree?
English yews transplant best when young. Use care to avoid breaking branches. Water frequently after planting and apply mulch. Monitor for transplant shock.
What are the best uses for english yew trees?
English yews are ideal for hedges, screens, specimen plants, topiaries and shady gardens. Their versatility makes them one of the most useful evergreens.
How do I know if my english yew has a disease?
Watch for signs of problems like brown needle blight, which causes bronzing of foliage. Improve airflow and drainage to prevent disease.
Should I buy a container-grown or B&B english yew?
Container-grown english yews transplant more easily but can be more expensive. B&B trees establish a bit slower but may be priced lower.
What soil conditions do english yews prefer?
English yews thrive in average, well-drained soil. They are tolerant of different soil pH levels. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot issues.
Do english yew trees need a lot of pruning?
English yews need only light pruning to maintain size and shape. Topiaries and formal hedges require more frequent trimming. Most trees just need occasional shaping.
English yew trees are classic landscape plants that have been prized for centuries. With proper selection and care, they make outstanding additions to gardens across many growing zones. Their versatility, durability and lush greenery make them a go-to evergreen for all garden styles.
English Yew (Taxus Baccata)
This Yew Tree is widely grown in Europe, but in America it is only hardy in zones 6, 7, and 8. The wild tree is roughly pyramidal, and usually matures between 30 and 60 feet tall, but this form is hardly ever seen in gardens. Garden forms can be roughly divided into:
1. Narrow, upright forms, such as the Irish Yew, or Columnar English Yew (taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’). This tree grows into a narrow column of dense, upright branches, about 10 feet tall when 10 years old, and no more than 2 or 3 feet wide. It makes an excellent accent specimen tree. Usually female, with heavy crops of berries.
2. Broad, spreading forms, with names like ’Repandens, ‘Procumbens’, or ‘Prostrata’. These typically grow 3 to 4 feet tall in time, and spread 6 to 8 feet wide, if untrimmed.
Golden and variegated forms, with yellow leaves, or leaves edged in yellow to white, can occur in both upright and spreading yews. Some forms show this effect most in spring, and fade to green in summer, but others, such as the David English Yew (taxus baccata ‘David’), hold their golden color well throughout the year.
Types of Yew Trees
Some experts consider that there is just one species of yew, but most recognize about 9 species in the genus Taxus, plus some closely-related plants, like the Plum Yew (cephalotaxus).
For gardeners, the important types of Yew Tree are the English Yew (taxus baccata), the Japanese Yew (taxus cuspidata), and the Hybrid Yew (taxus x media. To the ordinary eye their foliage is identical.