Yew Tree

Everything you need to know about the yew tree, from identification tips to typical characteristics; how to spot disease and the best way to maintain a yew tree.

The yew tree is a UK-native evergreen conifer, well known for living to a grand age of 400 to 600 years. It is believed and stated by the Woodland Trust that there are ten yew trees in Britain that predate the 10^th century, so this is a tree with exceptional history and one we should be proud of as a nation.

There are various types of yew tree, including the Irish yew, English yew and numerous common yews including Icicle and Standishii which vary greatly in appearance, height and overall size from half a metre up to 20 metres. It is a popular tree for hedge forming as it provides year-round privacy screening and its red berry like fruits are very eye-catching.

General Facts

Characteristics

Conditions

Threats

Yew Trees and Wildlife

Due to their denseness, yew trees offer exceptional protection for birds, as well as excellent nesting opportunities. Blackbirds, mistle thrush, song thrush and fieldfare enjoy the fruits of the yew tree, as do dormice and squirrels. The caterpillars of the satin beauty moth will often feast on the leaves.

Yew Tree Symbolism

Yew trees have a historical association with churchyards. In England there are at least 500 churchyards where yew trees grow and where these trees are said to be older than the building itself.

It is believed that yew trees were planted on the graves of plague victims in order to purify and protect them.

The yew tree is a symbol of immortality. The branches were carried on Palm Sunday and at funerals by tradition for many centuries. It is known as the ‘tree of resurrection’ and the ‘tree of eternity’ and is symbolic as the tree of life, which is very popular as jewellery pendants and symbolises protection, longevity, change, divinity and strength. In medieval times, yew was burned to assist in contacting passed over spirits.

The Importance of Yew Trees

Yew is a very popular, slow-growing, self-maintaining hedging and topiary plant, used extensively in courtyard and heritage gardens and is one of the most commonly used plants to create mazes.

Yew wood has been used for thousands of years and was historically the timber of choice to make tool handles and long bows. In 1911, a yew spear head was unearthed in Clacton-On-Sea which is reckoned to be in the region of 450,000 years old.

The close-grained denseness, rich warm sunny brown tone and narrow annual growth rings make yew strong and incredibly eye-catching, which is why it has become one of the most sought-after timbers by high-end furniture crafters.

The leaves of the yew tree produce anti-cancer compounds which are used in modern medicine. However, it is important to be aware that yew trees are in fact poisonous to humans and many mammals if ingested. Just a few leaves could induce serious illness in a child, and fatalities have been known. All parts of the tree are poisonous apart from the arils (berries), although even the black seeds inside them are toxic.

Caring for a Yew Tree

Yew trees do not call for much care and attention as they are slow growing, although they can be trimmed to keep them in shape. This is usually done twice a year, once in spring and then again in summer. Otherwise pruning really is mostly for show, although it is important to regularly check for signs of pests including the tortrix moth, the vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects. A periodic check for Phytophthora root rot is also important.

If you have a yew tree or any type of conifer tree on your land that needs expert care, why not talk to T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and highly experienced tree surgeons, we can offer comprehensive knowhow across all aspects of yew tree care, including a professional topiary service. For a free, no-obligation quotation, give us a call on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.

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