Yew going brown/orange

[Waitingforsherlock]

I planted two identical squares of bare root yew hedging earlier this year. Initially both squares looked as if they were thriving, both have been watered at the same time, frequency etc. One square has gone really brown and I presume it is dying. Does anyone have any idea why? Could it be anything else such as water logging maybe?

I should mention that the squares are within a slabbed area; the one with the brown plants has never had anything planted in it before and didn't even produce many weeds. I have however put good garden compost and a bit of chicken manure on both.

Thank you.

[Trethew]

Yew will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It likes free draining soil and can cope with pretty dry conditions once established. Is it possible that the brown ones are planted in compacted soil, or getting extra water running off the surrounding slabs? I'm wondering if they were planted in soil which has had slabs on it previously. They don't need much feeding either.

[Waitingforsherlock]

Thanks Trethew

I wonder if there is a hard pan of soil underneath that is making the ground waterlogged maybe. I think I will dig a plant up and have a look at the roots. The other square had Perovskia planted in it which really thrived but the square with the brown plants didn't evn grow weeds. I'm guessing it's a problem with the soil underneath. May have to dig up and start again perhaps.

[shovetheholly]

I reckon you're right! I had the same issue in my front garden -when even weeds won't grow, you know there is something up. Even though I sorted the pan, I am still finding I have to add large amounts of organic matter twice a year.