Yew trees are very architectural. You can use them to frame a natural gateway when planted like this. They are very slow growing and stay tidy and therefore require little or no maintenance. Yews are often found in very ancient churchyards where they grow to a considerable age. Some of the oldest trees in Britain are Yews.
Yew trees have male and female forms. The female trees bear berries which are poisonous if they are eaten by children or pets.
They can be clipped into a hedge if grown closely together or shape into strange forms or left to grow. As they are so slow growing they do not usually outgrow their space for a very long time. Yews form the basis of much of the topiary you see in the manicured grounds of stately houses.