Pacific Yew

Choosing the Right Spot for Your Pacific Yew

Hello, future gardener! The Pacific Yew is a gorgeous evergreen tree that can live for many years if planted in the right conditions. It prefers cooler climates and partial shade, so you'll want to pick a spot where it won't get too much direct sunlight—like under larger trees or on the north side of your home.

Tip: If you're planting near other trees or shrubs, give your Pacific Yew plenty of room to grow—it can reach 30-50 feet tall and spread out about 20 feet wide.

Timing

You can plant your Pacific Yew in either early spring or fall. These seasons are ideal because the weather isn’t too harsh, giving the roots time to settle before extreme temperatures arrive.

Tools and Materials

Pacific Yew seedling (or seeds, though seedlings are easier for beginners)

Shovel or spade

Well-draining soil (you might need to mix in some sand or compost if your soil is heavy)

Organic mulch (wood chips or bark work well)

Watering can or hose

Tip: When picking out your seedling, look for one with healthy green needles and no signs of browning or dryness.

Preparing the Soil

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep. This gives the roots plenty of loose soil to spread into.
2. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some sand or compost to help it drain better.
3. Gently place the Pacific Yew seedling into the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.

Tip: Don’t bury the trunk deeper than it was in the pot; this could cause rot.

Planting the Seedling

1. Backfill the hole with the soil you dug out, gently pressing it down around the roots to remove air pockets.
2. Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.
3. Spread a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup.

Tip: Mulching helps retain moisture, keeps weeds down, and protects the roots during colder months.

Sunlight Requirements

The Pacific Yew thrives in partial shade. While it can handle some direct sunlight, too much can scorch its needles. Morning sun with afternoon shade is perfect.

Watering Method

• Water regularly, especially during the first year while the tree is getting established.
• Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either through rain or manual watering.
• Check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water again.

Tip: Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering! Make sure the soil doesn’t stay soggy.

Fertilizing Tips

• The Pacific Yew doesn’t need heavy fertilization. Once a year, in early spring, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the base of the tree.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the tree rather than help it.

Pruning and Maintenance

• You don’t need to prune the Pacific Yew often, but if you do, it's best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
• Remove any dead or diseased branches to keep the tree healthy.

Tip: Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree or spreading disease.

When to Harvest Yew Berries

If you’re growing a Pacific Yew for its bright red berries (technically called "arils"), they typically ripen in late summer to early fall. Each berry has a single seed inside and looks like a small, fleshy fruit surrounding the seed.

How to Harvest

• Gently pick the ripe berries by hand, being careful not to damage the tree.
• Collect them in a basket or bowl.

Warning: Be cautious! While the red flesh of the berry is safe to touch, the seeds inside are toxic if ingested, and even the leaves and bark of the Pacific Yew contain compounds that can be dangerous. Always wear gloves when handling any part of this plant.

Storage

• Use the berries fresh if you plan to extract their seeds for propagation.
• If you're using them decoratively, they’ll last several days at room temperature.

Tip: Do not eat the seeds or any other part of the tree—they contain toxins that can be harmful!

1. Yellowing Needles

Cause: Could be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or too much direct sunlight.

Solution: Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. If the soil isn’t draining well, consider adding more sand or compost.

2. Browning Needles

Cause: Often a sign of underwatering or cold winter winds drying out the foliage.

Solution: Water deeply during dry spells and consider wrapping the tree with burlap in winter to protect it from harsh winds.

3. Slow Growth

Cause: The Pacific Yew is naturally a slow-growing tree, but extremely slow growth can indicate nutrient deficiency or poor soil quality.

Solution: Test your soil and amend it with compost or fertilizer if necessary.

4. Pests and Diseases

Cause: Although resistant to many pests, aphids or scale insects can occasionally bother your tree.

Solution: Spray the affected areas with a gentle soap solution or neem oil. Keep an eye out for fungal diseases, which can occur in overly wet conditions.

5. Needle Drop

Cause: Some needle drop is normal, but excessive shedding may signal stress from environmental factors like drought or extreme heat.

Solution: Ensure consistent watering and provide some shade during particularly hot periods.