Care Tips

• Planting Instructions: Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2–3× the root ball width and no deeper. Set with the root flare at or slightly above soil level, backfill with native soil, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in (5–7 cm) keeping mulch off the stem. Space 3–5 ft apart for hedges.
• Soil Moisture: Keep evenly moist the first growing season; avoid saturated/waterlogged sites. Once established, moderately drought tolerant—water deeply but infrequently in dry spells.
• Soil Type: Well-drained loam to sandy loam. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH ~6.0–7.5); tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is sharp.
• Humidity: Average garden humidity is fine; provide good air circulation to minimize fungal issues in shade plantings.
• Pruning Instructions: Responds very well to shearing. Shape after the spring flush (late spring) and, if needed, lightly again mid-summer. Can be rejuvenation-pruned in early spring; avoids heavy cuts in late fall.
• Winter Care: Water deeply before the ground freezes, apply mulch, and shield from drying winds/winter sun in exposed sites (burlap wrap or windbreak). Avoid road-salt spray and soggy winter soils.
• Planting Depth: Keep the top of the root ball level with surrounding soil; do not bury the crown. Loosen or slice circling roots at planting.
• Fertilization: Light feeder. Apply a slow‑release, balanced or conifer fertilizer in early spring; avoid high nitrogen after midsummer to prevent tender late growth.
• Special Care: Ensure excellent drainage; yews dislike “wet feet.” Dioecious—only female plants bear red arils. For hedges, keep the top slightly narrower than the base. Monitor for scale and root rots in poorly drained sites.