Caring for Yew

Yew has low water needs once established and tolerates dry spells well, though young plants benefit from watering during prolonged summer drought in their first two years. Water deeply rather than little and often, soaking the root zone every couple of weeks if there's no rain. Established yews rarely need supplementary watering except in extreme conditions. Feed in March or April with a balanced slow-release fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone or a general-purpose granular feed, scattering a handful around the base of each plant and lightly forking it into the soil surface. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft growth vulnerable to frost. Yew grows slowly—often 10–20 cm a year—so doesn't demand heavy feeding. A mulch of well-rotted compost or bark applied in spring helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, but keep it away from the trunk. Yew is fully hardy across zones 6a–9b and needs no winter protection. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, though growth slows or stops entirely in cold months. Common problems include phytophthora root rot in waterlogged soil—ensure good drainage from the outset. Scale insects occasionally appear as brown lumps on stems; treat with a winter wash or horticultural soap. Vine weevil larvae can damage roots in containers; use a biological control in late summer if you notice adult beetles or wilting foliage. Deer and rabbits usually avoid yew due to its toxicity.