Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Is there a pet friendly alternative to Yew Hedging?

martynroastmartynroast Posts: 10
in Problem solving
I am very keen on creating a garden that has the feel of an Arts and Crafts garden where Yew tree hedging and topiary was very popular. However, I also have two labradors and I am concerned about the toxicity of Yew. Is there an alternative that will offer the same dense foliage and can be trained to recreate some classical topiary shapes. I would prefer to avoid Leylandii if possible because you cannot trim it very hard.
«13

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited September 2018
    I had yew when we had labradors and  a dachsund/terrier ... never a problem.  Do your labs regularly chew hedges?  The only time ours chewed indiscriminately was when they were pups.  

    If you look around at the number of country estate gardens which have yew and labs you might feel reassured that the two can go together  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • martynroastmartynroast Posts: 10
    Hi Dovefromabove, 

    Thanks for the reply, it helps. My labs are now middle aged ladies more inclined to potter and doze than chew hedges. So it helps to know others have Yews and pets, with no problems. I really like the idea of a Yew hedge so might consider putting one in if I could be confident that it is OK. Would be great to hear if others have also managed successfully with Yews. I haven’t, as yet, found any other hedging that can recreate that solid wall of green.

    Thanks
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited September 2018
    Really ... they'll be fine ... think of working labradors, working in dense undergrowth to retrieve shot game ... they come across all sorts of toxic plants ... very few of them chew indiscriminately unless they're teething or distressed about something ... and I'm sure yours are happy well balanced ladies  :)

    I am, however, also a huge fan of a good holly hedge .... just for consideration  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • martynroastmartynroast Posts: 10
    Thanks again. My two, although not working dogs, are used to foraging around a Farm up in the Wolds. So, I guess they should be fine. Will have a think about Holly.

    Thanks again
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    Box is also used for topiary and has a similar look
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    Another vote for fine, unless your dogs are maniacal chew monsters.
    Does Mr Monty have any in his garden (Gardeners world programme). His two Golden retrievers followed and played all around, while he was there doing all sorts of gardening including hedge cuttings I am sure...I think he had some yew there.
  • martynroastmartynroast Posts: 10
    Thanks zerozero1 

    I did wonder about box so thanks. I need a hedge that will achieve 2m in height and not sure that box will do that. One option though is to have a perennial border alongside the Yew hedge with the border framed by a 60 cm box hedge. Act as a barrier to keep them away from the Yew. Also, a popular look with Arts and Crafts gardens so that is a possible.

    Thanks
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yew is perfect Martyn, It's been used successfully for centuries   :)
    With all the problems box has been experiencing recently [blight] in many areas, I think I'd steer clear. It doesn't look good unless it's kept small either. You can substitute the shrubby honeysuckle - Lonicera nitida, but it needs more clipping than box. The foliage is very similar. 
    Are you planning on doing some topiary or is it really just hedging? 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    edited September 2018
    Some box will. Not all are short cultivars.
    Box can grow into trees, look up Buxus , sorry can't remember off hand which. There is a bewildering array :)
    Still like yew for best.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Monty Don has yew hedges, topiary, etc. Here's a video featuring yew, clippings, hedges and labradors: https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-trim-a-young-yew-hedge/
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
Sign In or Register to comment.