Skinny yews, characterized by their narrow, upright, or columnar growth habits, offer unique design possibilities in various landscapes. These slender evergreens provide structured elegance without demanding extensive horizontal space. Their inherent compact forms make them a suitable choice for gardeners seeking to introduce vertical interest or define boundaries in constrained areas. They present a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for specific landscaping requirements.
Understanding Skinny Yew Varieties
The term “skinny yew” refers to Taxus varieties with a narrow, upright, or columnar growth habit. Their branches grow close to the main stem, creating a compact silhouette. Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’, or Irish Yew, is a prime example, forming a dense, dark green column 15-20 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. Its branches grow almost parallel to the trunk, maintaining a tight form.
Another popular choice is Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’, or Hick’s Yew, which forms an upright, dense, multi-stemmed column. This hybrid reaches 10-12 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, offering a slightly broader but still narrow profile. Another option, Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’, while naturally more spreading, can be managed into a slender shape with consistent pruning. These varieties differ significantly from broader yew species, which develop a more spreading, rounded, or mounded habit.
Benefits and Uses of Skinny Yews
Skinny yews offer distinct advantages for various garden designs due to their slender form. Their narrow growth habit makes them ideal for planting in confined spaces, such as between buildings or along pathways where wider shrubs would be impractical. These columnar evergreens create vertical accents, adding architectural interest to a landscape. They can define garden rooms or serve as elegant sentinels at entrances.
Skinny yews also function effectively as privacy screens without consuming much horizontal space. Planting them in a row establishes a dense, evergreen barrier that offers year-round seclusion. Their compact nature makes them suitable for foundation plantings, allowing placement close to structures without overgrowing.
Planting and General Care for Skinny Yews
The optimal time for planting skinny yews is early spring or early fall. While yews tolerate various light conditions, they perform best in partial shade to full sun with consistently moist soil. Well-draining soil is essential, as yews are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0) is preferred.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Space plants 2-4 feet apart, depending on the variety, to allow for air circulation. After planting, thoroughly water to settle the soil. Water consistently during the first year; thereafter, water regularly during dry periods. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports healthy growth.
Pruning to Maintain Skinny Form
Maintaining the narrow, columnar shape of skinny yews requires consistent pruning. The best time for significant pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth, or mid-summer after the first flush. Regular, light pruning throughout the growing season also helps maintain density.
For height control, cut the main leader back to a side branch or bud at the desired height. To control width and encourage denser foliage, lightly shear the sides of the plant. Shearing promotes a tight, formal appearance.
Selective hand pruning can remove errant growth and maintain a natural, narrow shape. When pruning, always ensure cuts are made to an outward-facing bud or side branch to encourage growth in the desired direction. Consistently trimming outward-growing branches prevents widening, ensuring the yew retains its slender silhouette.