What to Do When Yew Trees Get Pests? A Detailed Guide to Prevention and Control

The yew is a shallow-rooted plant and also a rare, endangered species that grows slowly. So what should you do if a yew gets pests?

1. What to do when a yew gets pests?

There are many kinds of insects that harm yews, so the treatment methods differ. For example, for scale insects you can mix baijiu with water (1:2) and pour it directly through the potting soil until it runs through; this can be applied once in mid-April, then once every half month, and results can be seen after 4 consecutive applications; to deal with mites or aphids, you can promptly spray insecticide, and in this way the damage can be effectively prevented and controlled.

2. What should be noted when growing yews?

1. Soil

The yew is a shallow-rooted plant, with no obvious main root and poorly developed lateral roots, and its ability to absorb nutrients is relatively poor, so the soil must be chosen to be relatively fertile and loose, with a pH between 4-6.

2. Light

During growth, the yew relatively likes light, so you should choose a spot that can be reached by sunlight, allowing the yew to have sufficient light during its growth. However, the light intensity must not be too strong, especially in the hot summer, when proper shading should be provided.

3. Fertilizing

Three months after planting the yew, start applying fertilizer. Applying fertilizer can effectively improve the soil's fertility and is also beneficial to the yew's growth; the fertilizer is basically mainly organic fertilizer.

4. Watering

Yews are watered at both the roots and the leaf surface. Especially in the summer in southern regions, it is necessary to spray water on the leaf surface frequently, which can ensure its leaf transpiration. In addition, under normal circumstances, in spring and autumn it is necessary to water thoroughly once every 5-7 days; in summer, water thoroughly once every 3-5 days; in winter, water thoroughly again every 7-10 days. But note that during the plum rain season or continuous cloudy and rainy days, the frequency and amount of watering need to be reduced.

5. Pruning

If a large number of dry, yellow leaves fall from the lower part of the bonsai, you need to cut off a few of the overly dense branches below. You can prune it into an umbrella shape according to your own preference, or trim it into a round shape, or a tower shape, etc.