Old, diseased yew - Ask Extension
Our foundation plants are 40-year-old yews, and they're looking pretty bad. Three photos are attached. The 1st photo includes the worst plant and a ...
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Old, diseased yew #739224
Asked March 15, 2021, 5:53 PM EDT
Our foundation plants are 40-year-old yews, and they're looking pretty bad. Three photos are attached. The 1st photo includes the worst plant and a healthier plant in the background The house faces west, but gets partial shade from a mature pin oak. Pachysandra is growing in front of the yews on one side, but not on the other side of the steps. The ground slopes away from the house.
We don't know if the yews are diseased or just old. We intend to replace all the yews. If the yews are diseased, do we have to worry about the new yews being infected?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
If the plants have been there for 40 years, it's time to remove the Yews and start with new plants. Also time to re-evaluate the choice and get something a little more interesting. There are many dwarf varieties of Chamaecyparis or Cryptomeria that will suit the site. Also dwarf Ilex ssp. (Holly), Viburnum ssp. If there is afternoon shade, Azaleas are always nice
Were you able to tell if the yews are diseased? If they are diseased, is that a concern for the new plants?
Dave
Dave
On 3/16/2021 10:43 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
From the pictures, it's difficult to tell what's going on. Yews don't like wet feet, so if the site stays wet after a rain, that could be the problem. How long have they looked like this? Were they damaged in any way? Did salt get on them from the sidewalk?
I didn't think these yews had wet feet, but now I'm not so sure. Four of them are surrounded by foundation, steps, walkway, and driveway. Usually I don't put salt on my steps, but i did once this year and I think once last year. The rest of the walkway and driveway never gets salt. The yews have been looking poor for several years, but much worse this year.
I'll assume that there is no disease. I'll try to improve the soil and drainage when I replace the plants. I appreciate your suggestions for new plants. We have a couple of viburnums in the back yard, and we like them. However, we're going to stick with yews in front. Thanks for your advice.
Dave
I'll assume that there is no disease. I'll try to improve the soil and drainage when I replace the plants. I appreciate your suggestions for new plants. We have a couple of viburnums in the back yard, and we like them. However, we're going to stick with yews in front. Thanks for your advice.
Dave
On 3/16/2021 5:21 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
