Japanese Yew

Dense Columnar Evergreen

The Japanese Yew (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is a dense, columnar evergreen ideal for tight spaces where you need vertical screening. Its dark green foliage and formal appearance make it a landscape designer favorite. Alfaro Tree Sales stocks Japanese Yews at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

1–2 ft/yr
Growth Rate
20–35 ft
Mature Height
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
20–35 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Columnar Form
Columnar Form

Columnar Form

Japanese Yews naturally grow in a narrow, columnar form — perfect for tight spaces, narrow side yards, and formal landscape designs where you need height without width.

Narrow columnar form for tight spaces Dense evergreen privacy Formal landscape look Available at our 40-acre nursery

Japanese Yew vs. Yaupon Holly

Two popular privacy options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Japanese Yew

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtModerate
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height20–35 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForPrivacy, Foundation

Yaupon Holly

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

8 ft
Planting
16 ft
Year 5
25 ft
Year 10
Full form
35 ft
Year 15+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Moderate water needs once established; supplement during extended drought.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
20–35 ft
Canopy Spread
8–15 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Foliage
Evergreen
Native Range
Japan & China
Soil
Acidic to Neutral
Best For
Privacy, Foundation
Category
Privacy
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Japanese Yews grow 1–2 ft/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Moderately. They benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Mature size is typically 20–35 ft tall with a 8–15 ft spread.

They thrive in acidic to neutral soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Japanese Yews in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Japanese Yews are excellent for privacy, foundation in the San Antonio area.