New Yew hedge, does it need more watering ?

Dave Ashcroft

Hi, I have had a new yew hedge and would like some opinions as to whether I have over watered it, under watered it or if the greenfly that have appeared are causing a problem, pls see the photos below and advise, many thanks, Dave

nutcutlet

Hi dave, doesn't look that great does it. You say new, but how new? Did you plant it this spring?

In the third photo the plants in the background look OK, are all of them in trouble of just a few?

If it's just planted watering and firming in should last it for quite a while, moist not wet is what you want, moist where the roots are, not the surface.

Daintiness

Is the damage on one side of the hedge - might be a prevailing cold wind (we've had a lot of that) or frost damage to the tips? 

What kind of soil are you on? Heavy, clay, free draining?

Also all nutlet's questions are relevant to help establish what the problem is.

Dave Ashcroft

Thanks for the replies,



planted a week last Friday,



Approx 80% look fine, 130 trees in total,



All in new top soil (had 100 tonnes !!!)



Not just on one side,



May have to dig one out to see if roots are moist, not dry or soaked,



Thanks again,



Dave

Dave Ashcroft

Hi, they were watered in after planting, the ground was soaked the first watering. Since then have watered regularly, probably every other day if no rain, but not for so long.

Dave Ashcroft

Ok, so if that's the problem are they likely to recover if I cut back on the water or is the damage repairable?

Fairygirl

Dave I agree with Verd about the over watering. It's newly planted so I'd  guess they might be ok and you'd be able to cut back the dead stuff later but it's obviously hard to tell without seeing them. All you can do is keep an eye on it all and if they start perking up you should be in the clear-it's pretty tough stuff once it's established! I hope all your hard work doesn't go to waste.