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Hicks Yew

Q: How fast does Hicks Yew grow compared to other hedge shrubs?

Hicks Yew has a moderate growth rate of 6–12 inches per year, making it slower than fast-growing evergreens like Leyland Cypress or Green Giant Arborvitae, but faster than some boxwood varieties. This steady pace gives homeowners more control over shaping and maintaining a hedge without constant trimming. Because of this predictable, upright growth habit, Hicks Yew is often used in formal landscapes, foundation plantings, and privacy hedges where a uniform appearance matters. Its slow-and-steady growth results in a dense evergreen wall that is easy to maintain long-term.

Q: Is Hicks Yew deer-resistant?

Yes—Hicks Yew is naturally deer-resistant, making it an excellent alternative to arborvitae and other evergreens that deer commonly browse. Its dense, aromatic needles are not attractive to deer, allowing it to thrive in suburban and rural settings without damage. This deer resistance, combined with its cold hardiness and shade tolerance, makes Hicks Yew one of the most reliable hedge shrubs for northern gardens and woodland landscapes where deer browsing pressure is high.

Q: Can Hicks Yew grow in shade?

Absolutely—Hicks Yew is one of the few evergreen hedge shrubs that thrives in shade as well as full sun. While many privacy evergreens require direct light, Hicks Yew maintains its rich dark-green foliage even in partially or fully shaded locations. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for north-facing foundations, woodland gardens, and underplantings around taller trees. Its ability to grow in low-light areas gives homeowners a dependable evergreen option where few other shrubs succeed.

Q: How tall and wide does Hicks Yew grow?

At maturity, Hicks Yew typically reaches 10–12 feet tall with a slender spread of 3–4 feet, giving it a narrow, columnar habit that’s perfect for tight spaces and formal hedges. Its upright shape allows homeowners to plant it in areas where width is limited but vertical structure is needed. When planted in rows, Hicks Yew forms a dense evergreen wall that provides privacy without overwhelming the landscape. Its natural size also reduces the need for frequent pruning, making it a low-maintenance evergreen hedge solution.

Q: How does Hicks Yew compare to Arborvitae for hedges?

While both Hicks Yew and Arborvitae are popular hedge choices, Hicks Yew offers greater shade tolerance, deer resistance, and cold hardiness in northern climates. Arborvitae grow faster but are highly susceptible to deer browsing, often requiring fencing or repellents. Hicks Yew’s upright, columnar growth and slower pace make it easier to manage as a formal hedge, and its longevity ensures decades of reliable performance. For homeowners seeking a refined evergreen hedge with fewer pest problems, Hicks Yew is often the better choice.

Taxus x media 'Hicksii'

“When homeowners ask for a low-maintenance, deer-resistant hedge shrub that thrives in both sun and shade, I often recommend the Hicks Yew. It’s elegant, versatile, and long-lived—perfect for formal hedges or foundation plantings. Unlike faster-growing evergreens, its steady growth makes it easy to shape, and its hardiness ensures it’s here for the long run. If you want a refined evergreen hedge that will stand the test of time, Hicks Yew is the right choice.”

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Hicks Yew – Upright Evergreen Hedge Shrub for Shade or Sun

A classic evergreen for formal hedges and foundations.
The Hicks Yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’) is a timeless favorite among gardeners and landscapers looking for a dense, upright evergreen shrub with exceptional versatility. Known for its rich dark-green foliage and columnar growth habit, Hicks Yew is perfect for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, and foundation plantings that remain attractive throughout the year.

Deer-resistant and shade-tolerant.
One of the biggest advantages of Hicks Yew is its ability to thrive where other evergreens struggle. Unlike arborvitae or boxwood, Hicks Yew is both deer-resistant and highly shade-tolerant, making it a dependable choice for landscapes with mixed light conditions. It’s equally at home in sun-drenched borders or shadier foundation areas, providing consistent structure and color with minimal maintenance.

A slow-growing, low-maintenance evergreen.
Hicks Yew grows at a moderate pace of 6–12 inches per year, reaching heights of 10–12 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide at maturity. This slow, steady growth makes it easy to maintain as a formal clipped hedge or allow it to develop naturally into a slender evergreen screen. Once established, Hicks Yew requires little more than occasional watering during dry spells and light pruning to maintain its shape.

Cold-hardy and long-lived.
Hardy in USDA Zones 4–7, Hicks Yew is built to withstand cold northern winters while maintaining its evergreen presence. With its long lifespan, deer resistance, shade adaptability, and elegant columnar habit, this shrub is an investment in lasting beauty and privacy for your landscape. Whether used as a living wall, accent plant, or foundation anchor, Hicks Yew continues to be a landscape essential.

Growzone: 4-7

Hardiness Zone:	4-7
Mature Height:	10 to 12 feet
Mature width:	3 to 4 feet
Classification:	Evergreen Shrub
Sunlight:	Full sun to part shade
Habit:	Upright, columnar
Foliage:	Dark Green
Pruning Season:	Prune in late winter before new growth or after new growth hardens off in summer
Soil Condition:	Any well drained slightly acidic soil
Water Requirement:	Water well until established
Uses:	Tolerates heat and drought; will adapt to slightly moist sites

How to Care for Hicks Yew

In general, Hicks Yew is relatively easy to care for. Below are the guidelines to keep your Hicks Yew thriving in its new environment:

How do I plant Hicks Yew shrubs for a hedge or screen?

Plant Hicks Yews in well-drained soil and choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface, backfill halfway, water thoroughly, then complete backfilling and water again. For a hedge, space shrubs 2–3 feet apart to ensure a dense, uniform screen as they mature. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Avoid planting in poorly drained soils, as yews prefer evenly moist conditions without sitting in water.

How often should I water Hicks Yew after planting?

During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Consistent moisture helps the root system establish quickly. Avoid overwatering, as yews dislike soggy soil conditions. Once established, Hicks Yews are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduces the frequency of watering.

When and how should I fertilize Hicks Yew?

Fertilize in early spring using a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer to encourage lush foliage and steady growth. Apply evenly around the drip line and water thoroughly after feeding. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that may be damaged by frost. A single spring application is usually enough to keep your hedge healthy and vibrant.

Do Hicks Yew shrubs require pruning to stay attractive?

Hicks Yew naturally grows in a dense, upright form but responds well to pruning. For formal hedges, trim lightly in late spring to early summer after new growth appears. This encourages branching and a fuller appearance. If left untrimmed, Hicks Yews retain their elegant columnar habit, making them suitable for naturalistic plantings as well. Whether clipped or left to grow freely, their versatility makes them a favorite evergreen hedge shrub.