Yew Hedging

Yew hedging for timeless, evergreen structure

Yew hedging (Taxus baccata) is one of the most respected and long-lasting evergreen hedge plants used in UK gardens. Known for its dense growth, rich green foliage and exceptional longevity, yew is the hedge of choice for formal gardens, estates and high-quality boundaries.

Why choose yew for hedging?

• Dense evergreen foliage for year-round screening
• Excellent response to clipping and shaping
• Extremely long-lived hedge plant
• Ideal for formal and structured hedge lines

A premium hedge plant

Yew is valued not for speed, but for quality. Once established, it forms an exceptionally dense hedge that can be maintained at almost any height, making it suitable for both low formal hedges and tall boundary planting.

Growth rate and maintenance

Yew has a slow to moderate growth rate, which makes it easy to control compared to faster conifers. Regular trimming encourages dense growth and allows precise shaping, including flat faces and crisp lines.

Best uses for yew hedging

• Formal garden hedges
• Long-term boundary planting
• Estate and heritage landscapes
• High-quality evergreen screening

Yew compared to other conifer hedges

Yew is chosen for refinement and longevity rather than speed. For faster evergreen conifers, explore our Conifer Hedging collection.

To view the full range of hedge plants, including evergreen and deciduous options, visit our main Hedging Plants collection.