When - in its life, not in the season - to harvest yew

[Craven]

Hi All

I am planning to plant some yew trees at my parents' farm. It is not a native here, but should I think enjoy the climate.

How old do they have to be before I harvest them?

Thanks

Craven

[Pat B]

A couple of hundred years...at least not in your lifetime. There are other bow wood trees that you could harvest in 8 or 10 years.

[High-Desert]

If you are just starting kindergarten, you could easily plant a yew and be making a bow by the time you retire. If it's a fast growing yew, it should be about 4" diameter by then.

Eric

[vinemaplebows]

That's not exactly all accurate....high densely growing yew will take a lifetime as Pat, and Eric say. The other option is low elevation yew that takes much less time, it won't be of the same quality, but there are always trade-offs. Elevation, sunlight, temps make for different growth, but will never the less make a decent bow. If you are serious I would prune all the lower branches while young, make sure to seal the cuts to prevent disease......good luck, and if nothing else you would have a special tree that would naturally out live your life time, and several others of your family as well!

VMB