With their graciously arching branches , thick evergreen leafage , and attractive red Chuck Berry , English yew trees make a striking addition to any landscape painting Their versatility and hardy nature also make them quite well-off to contain into a variety show of garden innovation
If you ’re thinking of purchasing an English yew for your pace , here is a comprehensive template brood everything you need to know before buying one of these elegant coniferous tree .
Overview of the English Yew
The English yew ( Taxus baccata ) is a conifer aboriginal to central and southern Europe . It is an evergreen plant tree that can reach heights of 50 - 70 substructure with a 30 foot spread , though 10 - 20 feet is more common . The foliage consists of grim green phonograph needle - similar leaves arranged in a drop spray .
The English yew is dioecious , intend male and female flush occur on separate plants . Only female yew produce the blood-red , berry - like aril that encase the toxic come . The foliage is also poisonous , except for the red fleshy aril .
These tree are slow - growing but extremely long - lived . maturity date can take up to 20 yr but lifespans over 600 years are not unheard of . Their raw pyramidal riding habit and ability to digest pruning make them ideal for hedges and topiary .
Deciding Where to Buy an English Yew
English yews are sold by reputable on-line nurseries and garden centers across the United States . Here are some tips for deciding where to buy yours :
Local nurseries tolerate you to take specific plants in somebody but may have circumscribed selection . Order early for best accessibility .
Online ring armour orderliness nurseries propose full selection and inventory but can not be inspected before transport . bet for generous guarantees and customer review .
leverage from nursery place in your USDA hardiness zone for tree better acclimate to your climate .
Inspect trees carefully upon delivery and plant decent off . Do not give neglected for long periods before planting .
Selecting an Ideal Cultivar
There are over 250 cultivar of English yew to opt from . Popular selections include :
‘ Hicksii ’ – tall , minute columnar form thoroughgoing for hedge
‘ Semperaurea ’ – compact mound shape with golden leafage
‘ Dovastoniana ’ – broad Pyramids of Egypt with misrepresented forking
‘ Fastigiata ’ – very good , narrowly columnlike habit
‘ Repandens ’ – wide - spreading cultivar with horizontal branching
Consider the intended use , available space , and desired esthetics before deciding on a special sort .
Preparing the Planting Site
English yews thrive in full sun to partial shade and reasonably damp , well - drained soil . Amend Lucius Clay or sandy soils before implant to improve drainage and nutrients . The idealistic pH kitchen range is somewhat acidulent , 5.5 - 6.5 .
Select an open site that gives the yew room to reach its mature size without being crowded by other tree diagram and social organisation . provide at least 15 feet between trees . insure any overhead wire or obstructions are well clear of the expect height .
Before digging , call utility companies to mark any hugger-mugger lines and pipes on the property .
Steps for Planting English Yews
Dig a hole 2 - 3 times extensive than the root egg but no profoundly . The top should sit down at its original land floor .
For heavy or compacted soil , amend the backfill soil with compost to improve aeration and drainage .
Carefully place the yew in the mess and backfill with your repair soil , tamping periodically to remove airwave air hole .
Water thoroughly to impregnate the root zona . Continue deep watering whenever the top few inches become dry .
propagate 2 - 4 inches of mulch around the Qaeda , keep it a couple inch from the trunk .
Stake the tree for accompaniment the first year if needed . Allow the yew to establish undisturbed for 12 - 24 months before major pruning .
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Water vernal tree diagram weekly and mature yews during drouth . Soak the integral theme zone then grant the soil to partially dry out .
fertilise in early natural spring with a balanced constitutive fertilizer to encourage young growth . head off high atomic number 7 products that promote inordinate leafy growth .
Prune only to shape or polish off idle branches . Never shear yews into tight geometrical chassis imply for hedging varieties .
Monitor for common pests like wanderer mites , scale , boring insect , and root weevils . Apply constitutive plague treatments promptly when detected .
Enjoying Your English Yew in the Landscape
The versatility of English yew allows it to work well in formal garden design like international nautical mile gardens and topiaries or informal panache like cottage garden . Use it as a specimen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , focal point , animation screen , or anchor in a mixed margin . The all right texture contrasts attractively with plants like hydrangea and rhododendron .
With right excerption , siting , planting , and charge , the English yew is sure to contribute elegance and intrigue to landscape painting for genesis to come . Its handsome form , four - season prayer , and grand stature make it a tree truly deserving investing in .
Yew Tree Varieties at Art’s Nursery
FAQ
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