Since the yew is one of the highly poisonous conifers, garden owners ask themselves whether they can burn yew wood. Basically, there is absolutely nothing wrong with burning yew residues in the oven, fireplace or garden.
Is burning yew wood allowed and safe?
Yew wood can and can be burned safely in the fireplace, oven or garden, as the poison taxin contained in yew wood is neutralized by the heat. Make sure the wood is well seasoned to minimize smoke.
Can you burn a yew tree?
The yew tree contains the highly poisonous taxine in all parts of the plant - except the pulp - which can be fatal if taken orally. But you can only get poisoned if you actually eat yew. There is no danger just by touching the needles or the trunk.
That's why it's no problem to burn yew. The poison is neutralized by the heat.
Yew wood is valuable wood
Yew wood is highly valued because it is very durable and can be used for many purposes. Weapons were made from it in the Middle Ages and wood still plays a major role in bow construction today.
If you have felled a yew tree or cut it back heavily, ask around to see if anyone is interested in the wood.
If you can't find a buyer, you can burn the yew wood in the fireplace or oven. But make sure that the wood is well seasoned. Otherwise the smoke development will be too high and harmful to ovens and chimneys.
Yew can be composted without worry
If it is not possible to burn the remains of the yew tree, you can compost it without worry. The poison decomposes during the rotting process in the compost heap.
The resulting humus can easily be applied to beds with vegetables.
Be careful of the yew tree sap
When caring for and cutting the yew, plant sap runs out. This in itself is not dangerous as long as you don't pick it up.
However, it can trigger allergic skin reactions in sensitive people. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when handling yew and be careful not to get the needles on your face or other uncovered parts of your body.
Tip
If you would like to burn the yew trimmings in the garden, find out in advance which days it is possible in your area. In many municipalities, burning garden waste is completely prohibited or only permitted on a few days a month.
