Yew Hedging

What is Yew?

Yew hedges, or Taxus Baccata as they are scientifically known, are a popular hedging plant in British gardens. This perennial evergreen species is characterised by its vibrant, dark green foliage and distinctive red arils that resemble berries, adding a touch of colour to its deep green backdrop.

One of the key attributes of yew hedge is it’s remarkable adaptability. These plants have the ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and weather conditions, making them a highly versatile choice for gardeners. Yew hedges are available in various forms, including bare root yew plants, which require careful handling to ensure successful growth.

Whether planted in full sun or shade, or in exposed or sheltered positions, yew hedges maintain their lush appearance and robust health.

Yew Hedge Growth Rate

Yew hedges are known as being slow growing, with an average growth rate of 30cm each year, reaching a height up to 5 metres. This makes yew an excellent choice for any type of formal hedge and topiary applications. The slow growth rate of yew makes it an excellent choice for topiary yew, allowing for precise shaping and maintenance.

Key Features and Benefits of Yew Hedges

• Yew plants are highly adaptable, capable of thriving in various weather conditions and soil types.
• They offer a sturdy and dense structure with evergreen foliage, which is ideal for creating privacy screens or windbreaks.
• English yew hedges are characterised by their vibrant dark green foliage and contrasting red arils, adding aesthetic appeal to any garden.
• Yew hedge plants can be grown in full sun or shade, offering flexibility in terms of planting location.
• They are available in several types - bare root, pot grown, and instant hedging - catering to different gardening needs.
• Yew plants with bare roots are an affordable option, and with proper care, they can establish quickly and outpace pot-grown plants. Yew bare root hedging is the most economical if your on a budget.
• Pot grown yew plants offer convenience and flexibility, as they can be planted at any time of the year and require less initial care.
• Instant yew hedging provides an immediate solution for those seeking a fully grown hedge from the outset, ideal for urgent landscaping projects.
• Taxus baccata hedging is resistant to different diseases and pests, making them a robust choice for long-lasting, low-maintenance hedges.

Planting Yew Hedge Plants

How to plant a Yew Hedge

For a step by step process and further information on how to plant yew hedges, please see our comprehensive hedge planting guide.

When to plant Yew Hedging

The best times to plant yew hedge is during the autumn and spring months. These periods offer ideal conditions, as the soil is generally moist and temperatures are relatively mild.

Planting during these seasons allows the yew to establish their roots in the new soil before the harsher weather conditions of summer or winter set in.

However, if you opt for pot grown Taxus baccata hedging, they can be planted year-round, offering greater flexibility.

Remember to water your yew hedges regularly, particularly during dry spells, to ensure they establish well and grow into a thick, dense hedge.

Yew Hedge spacing and planting density

The distance between each yew hedge plant depends on the root type and size of the plant.

Please refer to our Yew Hedge spacing chart below which contains the correct planting spacing and distances for each root type and plant size.

Preferred soil types and planting positions

Yew hedging plants are versatile and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, whether it's clay, loam, or sandy soil. However, they prefer well-drained soil conditions. While yew can tolerate some waterlogging,

it's crucial to avoid planting them in overly wet conditions to prevent root rot. As for planting positions, yew hedge plants can grow in both full sun and shade. If planted in a sunny spot, they produce more berries and have a denser foliage.

In contrast, if planted in shade, they can still thrive but might produce fewer berries. The flexibility in terms of soil type and planting positions makes english yew hedges a popular choice for diverse landscapes.

Pruning and maintenance tips for Yew Hedging Plants

Maintaining your yew hedge involves regular pruning and monitoring to ensure its optimal health and aesthetic appeal. 

While yew plants can tolerate heavy pruning, it is generally recommended to trim about one-third of the plant’s height annually. Regular pruning will encourage dense growth, resulting in a more solid and full hedge. 

When to prune a Yew Hedge

The best time to prune a yew hedge is in late summer or early autumn, allowing any cuts to heal before the onset of winter. 

Watering and fertilising

As for feeding, an application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring can promote vigorous growth. 

Ensure your yew hedge receives ample water, especially younger plants during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater as yew plants do not fare well in waterlogged conditions. 

Lastly, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease, although taxus baccata hedges are typically resistant to most common garden pests. With these measures, your yew hedge will remain healthy and attractive year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yew Hedges

What types of wildlife are attracted to English yew hedging?

Yew hedges are particularly attractive to a variety of birds, who seek shelter in their dense foliage and consume the red arils produced by the plants. However, it should be noted that all parts of the yew plant, with the exception of the arils, are toxic to most mammals.

How long does it take for a yew hedge to fully grow?

The growth rate of a yew hedge depends on the specific variety and growing conditions, but most yew hedges grow at a moderate rate of 20-40cm per year. Therefore, it may take several years for a yew hedge to reach its full potential height of up to 5 metres.

Is it safe for pets to be around yew hedges?

All parts of a yew plant, with the exception of the arils, are toxic if ingested. Therefore, they can pose a risk to pets if not properly managed. It's recommended to regularly check and clean the area around a yew hedge to ensure fallen leaves or other parts of the plant are not accessible to pets.