If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance evergreen, you really can’t go wrong with a Yew (Taxus). These needle-bearing beauties are garden staples for a reason! However, to make sure your Yew gets off to a great start and thrives for years to come, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s my go-to guide for planting them the right way.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Yews are incredibly versatile—they look stunning as standalone specimen trees or as a dense, formal hedge. But before you start digging, there’s one big thing to consider: most parts of the plant are toxic. If you have little ones or curious pets running around the yard, you might want to think twice. If that’s not a concern, you’ve got a gorgeous, steady grower on your hands. To get the best results, you’ll want to pick the right location.
Here’s what to look for in a site:
- A spot with partial shade (though they are pretty adaptable).
- Well-draining soil (they hate “wet feet” or standing water).
- Deep soil to accommodate those long taproots.
- Plenty of breathing room away from house walls and other trees.
Keep in mind that Yews are deep-rooters. They develop strong roots that reach way down into the earth. Once they’ve settled in and reached a certain size, transplanting them becomes a real headache. Avoid overly chalky soil and make sure the water can drain away easily. If your soil is a bit heavy, adding a drainage layer can work wonders.
Timing and Spacing
The best time to get your Yew in the ground is during the spring on a frost-free day. This allows the tree to take advantage of that first seasonal growth spurt to establish its roots. You can plant later in the year, too, but you’ll need to be extra diligent about watering for the first three weeks. Rooting takes a lot of energy!
Spacing is also key. If you’re planting a single Yew as a focal point, give it about 6 feet (2 meters) of space from its neighbors. If you’re dreaming of a lush privacy hedge, aim for about 20 inches (half a meter) between each plant.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Planting a Yew is actually pretty straightforward. Once you’ve picked your spot and brought your sapling home, just follow these simple steps. (And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try propagating them yourself!)
How to plant your Yew:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
- Give the root ball a good soak by placing it in a bucket of water for a day before planting.
- Mix your garden soil with some compost and horn shavings (or a balanced organic fertilizer).
- Gently place the Yew in the center of the hole.
- Fill the hole back up with your enriched soil mix.
- Lightly tamp down the soil with your foot to remove air pockets and give it a thorough watering.
