If you notice the evergreen needles on your yew tree starting to turn brown, don’t panic! It doesn’t always mean your tree is dying from a mysterious disease. Often, it’s just a sign that something is off with its environment or daily care. Here’s a quick guide on how to figure out what’s going on and how to get your yew back to its vibrant green self.
How to Spot the Root of the Problem
First things first: check if your yew is simply thirsty. Take a close look at the branches; if they snap easily in two with a dry “pop,” your yew has likely dried out. On the other hand, if you see bite marks on the foliage or notice a busy highway of ants marching up the trunk, you might be dealing with a pest infestation.
Did the browning happen right after a cold winter with lots of bright, sunny days? Your tree might just have a case of “winter burn” (basically a plant sunburn). If that’s the case, there’s no need to stress—the needles should grow back on their own. Just make sure the tree is getting enough moisture at its current spot to help it recover.
Dealing with Pests
If pests like scale insects are making life miserable for your yew, it’s time to call in reinforcements. I always recommend going the natural route: parasitic wasps are fantastic “good bugs” that will clear out scale insects in no time. If you’re seeing notched leaves from vine weevils, try using nematodes. These tiny beneficial roundworms live in the soil and eat the weevil larvae before they can do more damage.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
A healthy yew is a tough yew! These trees are actually quite hardy against pests and diseases if they’re well-fed and hydrated. The best way to keep them happy is to apply a nice layer of bark mulch around the base of the tree.
What your yew needs to thrive:
- A spot with partial shade
- Consistent moisture
- Plenty of nutrients
Mulch is a total game-changer because it holds onto water and releases it slowly to the roots while breaking down into nutrient-rich organic matter. Plus, it keeps those pesky weeds away and makes your landscaping look professionally finished.
