Yew Hedge Spacing & Planting Guide: How Many Yews Do You Need?
Planning a yew privacy hedge and wondering how far apart to plant your yews? For most yew hedge projects, Z Force Farm typically recommends planting yews approximately 2 feet apart. This spacing helps the plants develop into a dense, continuous evergreen hedge while still allowing room for healthy growth.
Quick answer: For a typical yew privacy hedge, start with approximately 2 ft between plants. The exact spacing can be adjusted depending on the size and width of the plants you purchase, the variety, the site and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in.
How Far Apart Should Yews Be Planted for a Privacy Hedge?
For most residential privacy hedge projects, our typical recommendation is approximately 2 ft apart. This is a practical starting point for creating a dense hedge without unnecessarily crowding the plants.
Larger, wider plants may require different spacing, while a customer looking for faster initial coverage may choose a different layout. The actual plant width at the time of installation should always be considered.
How Many Yews Do I Need?
A simple starting estimate is:
Hedge length ÷ 2 ft = approximate number of yew plants
| Hedge Length | Approx. Yews at 2 ft Spacing |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 5 plants |
| 20 ft | 10 plants |
| 30 ft | 15 plants |
| 40 ft | 20 plants |
| 50 ft | 25 plants |
| 60 ft | 30 plants |
| 80 ft | 40 plants |
| 100 ft | 50 plants |
This is an estimate rather than a fixed rule. The final quantity should be based on the actual plant size, width and the exact length and layout of your planting area.
What Size Yew Should I Buy for a Privacy Hedge?
The best size depends on your budget and how much immediate privacy you want. Larger plants provide more initial screening, while smaller plants can be a more economical option when you are comfortable allowing the hedge time to develop.
Before ordering a large quantity, it is helpful to consider the current height and width of the plants rather than choosing by height alone.
Which Yew Is Best for a Tall Privacy Hedge?
For a taller, upright evergreen privacy hedge, Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew are two varieties worth considering. Both are dense, upright evergreen yews suitable for structured privacy planting.
One of the easiest differences for customers to recognize is the fruit: Hicks Yew can produce decorative red berries, while Hill's Yew does not.
Compare Hicks Yew vs Hill's Yew →
What About Fairview Yew and Dense Yew?
If you are looking for yews for foundation planting, borders or lower structured landscaping, you may also consider Fairview Yew and Dense Yew. Fairview Yew has a dwarf, semi-upright habit, while Dense Yew (Densiformis) develops a broader, spreading form.
Compare Fairview Yew vs Dense Yew →
Can Yews Grow in Shade?
Yews are popular for Ontario landscapes because they can perform in sun or partial shade and tolerate more shade than many evergreen shrubs. However, the amount of light, drainage, soil conditions and watering can all affect growth and density.
Yew vs Emerald Cedar for Privacy
Both yews and Emerald Cedars can create attractive evergreen privacy screens, but they offer a different look. Yews respond very well to pruning and can be maintained as a formal, structured hedge. Emerald Cedars are commonly selected when homeowners want a taller conifer-style privacy screen.
The better option depends on the amount of sunlight, available planting width, desired appearance, maintenance preference and the level of immediate privacy required.
Yew Hedge Planting in Toronto, Markham & Nearby Areas
Z Force Farm supplies yews for homeowners and landscape projects across Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Ajax, as well as surrounding communities.
For suitable projects, our team can also help with delivery and professional hedge installation. If you send us the approximate hedge length, a photo of the planting area and the amount of privacy you want, we can help recommend the variety, plant size, spacing and approximate quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should I plant yews for a privacy hedge?
For most yew privacy hedge projects, Z Force Farm typically recommends approximately 2 ft spacing. The exact spacing may vary depending on the size and width of the plants and the desired finished appearance.
How many yews do I need for a 20 ft hedge?
At approximately 2 ft spacing, a 20 ft hedge would generally require about 10 yews. The final quantity may need adjustment depending on the actual plant width and the endpoints of the planting area.
How many yews do I need for a 30 ft hedge?
Using approximately 2 ft spacing as a starting point, a 30 ft hedge would require about 15 yews.
How many yews do I need for a 50 ft hedge?
At approximately 2 ft spacing, a 50 ft hedge would require about 25 yews.
Which yew is best for privacy?
For taller upright privacy hedges, Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew are strong options. Both are dense and upright. Hicks Yew can produce decorative red berries, while Hill's Yew does not.
Do you install yew hedges in Toronto and surrounding areas?
Yes. Z Force Farm offers yew delivery and professional planting for suitable projects in Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Ajax and surrounding service areas.
Need Help Planning Your Yew Hedge?
Send us your hedge length and a photo of the planting area. Our team can help you choose the right yew, plant size, spacing and quantity for your property.