Choosing between cypress and yew: A guide to the best privacy plants

Yews have long been cherished as plants that beautify our surroundings and shield our privacy from inquisitive eyes while casting soothing shade. Nonetheless, there exists a conifer considered even more low-maintenance and capable of achieving remarkable growth speed – the cypress.

Yews maintain their lush greenery throughout the year. Yet, attaining a height sufficient for privacy in your garden demands years of diligent upkeep. For those seeking a quicker solution to achieve a verdant barrier, the cypress presents an effortless alternative, thriving swiftly with minimal fuss.

To flourish, yews require a sun-kissed location coupled with slightly acidic, fertile, and well-draining soil. During the warmer months, they require consistent fertilisation—at least weekly—alongside regular watering throughout summer.

It's crucial to note that yews are susceptible to a variety of pests, posing a risk of severe damage. Their growth rate is notably sluggish, and achieving a stature of approximately 2 metres takes between four and five years.

Moreover, yews produce thujone – a toxic substance harmful to humans and animals. Exposure can result in grave health implications, including irreversible muscle damage and cardiovascular issues.

Like yews, cypresses retain their colour in the winter. Although they appear similar at first glance, a closer look reveals finer shoots, making shaping easier. They endure low temperatures (down to about -15 degrees Celsius), and during harsher frosts, covering them with jute or cotton fabric suffices.

Cypresses grow swiftly in height and spread. Consequently, when integrating them into your garden, ensure at least 45 cm of space between each sapling.