Yew (taxus baccata)

• Native UK evergreen conifer, renowned for longevity (some Trees of Eternity live to well over 1,000 years old) and dense, dark green foliage providing year-round structure.
• Excellent for formal hedging, topiary, privacy screens, windbreaks, and noise reduction due to thick growth.
• Highly adaptable: thrives in shade to full sun, most soil types, urban pollution, and dry conditions once established.
• Supports wildlife: offers shelter/nesting for birds and small mammals; red arils (on female plants) provide food for birds.
• Low maintenance: slow-growing, requires pruning only once annually; regenerates well even after hard cutting back.
• Note: Highly toxic (all parts except aril flesh), so caution around children, pets, and livestock.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Late autumn to early spring.
• Site: Full sun to deep shade; avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
• Soil: Well-drained, moist but not wet; tolerates chalky, acidic, or neutral soils—improve with compost/manure if needed.
• Preparation: Dig in well-rotted organic matter; for hedges, space plants 2 to 3 per metre.
• Planting: Use bare-root or potted plants; plant at same depth as before, firm soil, and water thoroughly.
• Aftercare: Water regularly in first year/dry spells; mulch to retain moisture; minimal feeding needed once established.
• Pruning: Trim hedges in late summer; responds well to shaping.