Yew Hedging (Taxus baccata) – 120/140cm Root Ball
Classic Evergreen Hedging with Timeless Elegance and Year-Round Structure
Yew (Taxus baccata) is the quintessential British evergreen hedge, renowned for its formal beauty, dense growth, and exceptional longevity. Supplied as a 120–140cm tall root ball, these field-grown plants are ideal for establishing mature, structured hedging with immediate presence.
With its rich, dark green needle-like foliage and strong, upright form, Yew offers an unbeatable blend of elegance and practicality. It clips beautifully for formal shapes and topiary, but also performs wonderfully in informal mixed boundaries or as a backdrop to flowering plants. Incredibly hardy, tolerant of shade, and long-lived, it remains the go-to choice for traditional garden design.
Seasonal Interest
Spring:
Fresh new shoots add soft green contrast to the darker mature foliage. Plants settle in and begin active growth.
Summer:
Dense, lush greenery provides excellent privacy and wind protection. A great time for light trimming to shape.
Autumn:
Tiny red berries may appear on female plants, providing wildlife interest and subtle colour.
Winter:
Remains fully evergreen with strong visual presence, offering windbreak, screening, and architectural form.
Key Features
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Supplied Height: 120–140cm (approx. 4–4.5ft)
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Foliage: Fine, dark green needle-like leaves; dense and evergreen
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Growth Rate: Slow to moderate – approx. 20–30cm per year
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Ultimate Height: Can reach 4–6m if left untrimmed
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Form: Naturally bushy and upright; responds very well to clipping
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Root Ball: Field-grown for strong roots and superior establishment
Ideal Uses
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Formal Evergreen Hedges: Sharp lines and topiary-style shaping
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Privacy & Screening: Dense growth creates year-round seclusion
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Boundary Definition: Traditional look for driveways and borders
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Shade Tolerance: Performs well even in partially shaded areas
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Wildlife Support: Berries feed birds; dense cover offers nesting habitat
Planting & Care
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Position: Full sun to partial or even full shade
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Soil: Well-drained soils preferred; avoid waterlogging
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Spacing: 2–3 plants per metre for a dense hedge
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Watering: Keep well-watered for the first 1–2 growing seasons
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Feeding: Use a balanced fertiliser in spring
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Pruning: Prune once or twice a year for shape and density; very responsive to cutting
Why Choose Yew Hedging?
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Formal Elegance: The ultimate choice for structured, classic gardens
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Evergreen All Year: Provides winter structure and privacy
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Long-Lasting Investment: With proper care, Yew hedges can last generations
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Versatile and Hardy: Tolerates sun, shade, and varied soil conditions
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Wildlife Friendly: Berries (on females) and thick cover benefit garden biodiversity
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.