Transplanting Yews

Transplanting yews

Early spring before new growth begins is a good time to transplant yews; the next best timing is late summer/early fall., so September would be the optimal time. When you are ready to transplant choose a cool and overcast day, and work as quickly as you can.

Can mature yews be transplanted?

If your property contains a yew tree in an inconvenient place, it may be possible to dig the tree up and move it, so long as it is a young tree. Older trees, however, establish very deep tap roots and are difficult to transplant. Consult a professional if your yew is established.

Are yews hard to dig up?

Topping out at anywhere from 5-40 feet depending on the cultivar, full-grown yew shrubs are notoriously difficult to extract, due to their deep and hearty root structure.

How do you dig up a yew?

Removing a Yew

Cut off the top part of the yew with a sharp chainsaw or loppers, leaving a short stump or stumps above the ground.
Remove as much soil as possible, and cut into the roots around the shrub with a sharp spade. ...
Cut off the roots from the trunk with a sharpened pruning saw.

Do yews transplant well?

Most yew species are suitable to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, though some are only viable to zone 7. The yew is an easy-care plant that grows slowly to a height of 25 to 35 feet, depending on species. Transplanting a large yew is not an easy job and takes careful planning.

Do yews need sun or shade?

For the best branching habit of your yew shrubs, plant them in full sun. While yews are just as happy in part sun and can even grow in full shade, keep in mind that the more shade, the more regularly you'll need to prune to prevent loose and floppy growth.

What is the lifespan of a yew?

Yew may be able to live for 3,000 years although 1,500 may be more frequent. All yew will be ancient from 900 years onward (early and pre Norman), although many will have ancient characteristics from around 500 years. Ageing of yew trees is very difficult.

What is the lifespan of a yew bush?

Yews are incredibly long lived - in fact they live for around 900 years before they become ancient. That's compared to around 400 years for an oak tree. Ancient yews can then expect to go on thriving for thousands of years.

Can you cut a yew to the ground?

You can prune healthy yews (Taxus spp.) back quite severely with no problem. You can easily reduce their size by one-half to three-quarters. Such severe pruning is best done in early spring so they have spring and summer to recover.

Are yew trees deep rooted?

Yew (Taxus): yews have taproots as well as a shallow root system and can be found all over the UK, particularly in churchyards where the yew trees are older than the buildings.

Do yew trees have big roots?

Yew is often multi-stemmed and its height rarely exceeds 20 m, but its longevity means that trunks can be very large: up to 4 m diameter. Root systems are shallow with extensive horizontal roots3.

Will a yew grow back from a stump?

The evergreen can be cut all the way to within 6 inches of the ground and come back strong. Unlike most evergreens, a yew takes well to even harsh pruning because of its ability to regenerate new buds from old wood.

Can you cut yew back hard?

Once established, yew can grow vigorously so is best trimmed at least once a year. It is also one of the few conifers that can regenerate from old wood if cut back hard.

When should you not trim yews?

As a general rule, heavy pruning should not be done after August 15. The reason for this is that trimming stimulates new growth which may not have sufficient time to harden off before the onset of frost and cold weather in the fall.

When should yews be cut back?

The most ideal time to cut a yew hedge is in early spring, around about March. It will then start shooting again in April. You can easily cut yews right back, down to the old wood — they can tolerate that.

How do you revive a dying yew?

Prune them in early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and water them through the summer. It may take a few years, but the yews will revive — so vigorously that only annual pruning will hold them in check.

Do yews do well in full sun?

Yew can be grown in full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. For healthy and lush growth, however, opt for a spot that gets several hours of sunshine each day. Too much shade can cause thin and floppy growth.

How often do you water a transplanted yew?

They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals: 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily. 3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days. After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established.

Do yews like lot of water?

Yews don't like "wet feet" and can develop root problems if their roots are kept too wet. Although considered relatively drought-tolerant, too little water can also cause problems. Choosing an appropriate, well-drained site for the yew and watering during very dry periods is the best defense against these problems.

Why are yews planted in graveyards?

It was sacred to Hecate, Ancient Greek Goddess of Death, Witchcraft and Necromancy, and was said to purify the dead as they entered the underworld of Hades. Celtic druids also saw yew as sacred and planted it close to their temples to use in death rituals.