Hicks Yew

Hicks Yew is considered a slow-growing shrub, typically adding about 6 to 12 inches of growth per year. While its growth rate is slower than some other hedge plants, this gradual development allows the plant to maintain its dense, upright form, making it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, and formal gardens. Although its initial growth may seem slow, Hicks Yew is a long-lived shrub that, with time and proper care, can reach heights of 10-12 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, creating a well-structured and low-maintenance barrier.

To encourage optimal growth, Hicks Yew benefits from regular watering during its first growing season, along with annual fertilization in early spring to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy development. While you may not see rapid growth, patience and consistent care will reward you with a thick, lush hedge or specimen plant that thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Over time, the steady growth of Hicks Yew ensures a durable and long-lasting addition to your landscape, providing year-round greenery and structure.

Hicks Yew hedges can grow to a mature height of 10 to 12 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, making them an excellent choice for creating tall, narrow hedges or privacy screens. This upright, columnar shrub is ideal for defining boundaries, offering year-round evergreen foliage and a dense growth habit that provides effective coverage. While its growth rate is slow, with around 6 to 12 inches of new growth per year, the height and width of a Hicks Yew hedge can be easily maintained through regular pruning, allowing you to shape it to your desired size and appearance.

In addition to its height, Hicks Yew offers flexibility in terms of spacing, as it can be planted closer together to create a tighter, more formal hedge, or spaced further apart for a looser, more natural look. The compact growth of Hicks Yew makes it ideal for narrow garden spaces where a tall hedge is needed without taking up too much ground area. With the proper care and pruning, Hicks Yew hedges can grow into a long-lasting, low-maintenance feature that enhances your landscape while offering privacy and year-round greenery.

The best time to prune your Hicks Yew hedge is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning during this time encourages healthy new growth and allows the plant to recover quickly from the cuts. By shaping your Hicks Yew hedge in early spring, you set the stage for a full season of dense, lush foliage. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches and trim the sides and top to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning before new growth ensures that your hedge stays well-shaped and vigorous throughout the year.

A second light pruning in late summer can help maintain the hedge’s form and control its size, particularly if the hedge is part of a formal landscape design. However, avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as this can leave the plant vulnerable to winter damage. Regular pruning not only helps Hicks Yew maintain its structured, upright shape but also promotes thicker, more robust growth. With proper timing and care, your Hicks Yew hedge will continue to offer a tidy, evergreen presence in your landscape all year long.

Yes, the berries of Hicks Yew are poisonous, as are most parts of the plant, including the leaves and seeds. While the bright red berries may look appealing, they contain toxic compounds called taxines, which can be harmful to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested. The fleshy part of the berry, known as the aril, is less toxic, but the seeds inside are highly poisonous and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, more serious health issues. For this reason, it’s essential to keep children and pets away from the berries and other parts of the Hicks Yew plant.

Despite the toxicity of the berries, Hicks Yew remains a popular landscape plant due to its evergreen beauty and adaptability. When planting in gardens where pets or children are present, consider regularly trimming the plant to remove any developing berries and reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. By handling the plant carefully and placing it in areas where contact is minimized, you can still enjoy the benefits of this low-maintenance, attractive shrub while maintaining safety in your garden.

To prune a Hicks Yew, start by trimming in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to encourage healthy development throughout the season. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting them back to the main stem or just above a bud. This will improve air circulation and promote fuller growth. Next, shape the shrub by trimming the sides and top to your desired form, making sure to create a slight taper so that the base is wider than the top, which allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plant. This technique helps maintain a balanced, dense appearance and ensures even growth.

In addition to annual spring pruning, you can perform a light trimming in late summer to maintain the hedge’s shape and control its size. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as this could expose the plant to winter damage. Hicks Yew responds well to pruning, so regular maintenance will keep it looking neat, compact, and attractive year-round. Be cautious not to cut too deeply into older wood, as yews can be slow to regenerate from hard cuts. With proper pruning, your Hicks Yew will maintain its lush, evergreen appearance, making it a standout feature in your landscape.