The yew (Taxus baccata) is often used as a hedge plant, especially because it tolerates pruning so well. But can you compost the clippings from the highly toxic yew hedge? Or even use it as mulch? We'll clarify.
How do you chop yew clippings correctly?
To shred yew clippings, use a garden shredder and pay attention to safety: wear long clothing, gloves, safety glasses and a face mask. Shredding accelerates the rotting process and enables the toxic yew residues to be composted.
Can you compost yew residues?
First of all: Even if the yew tree is highly poisonous, any yew residue - such as pruning - can go into the compost. You don't need to worry about the toxic taxine, because it is broken down by bacteria during composting. The finished compost no longer contains any toxins and can be used without hesitation.
However, the following instructions should be observed when composting yew material:
- Chop yew tree clippings as small as possible
- Protect face and hands
- Wear long clothing, gloves, safety glasses and a face mask
- Mix the shredded material well with other waste (e.g. lawn clippings, fruit scraps, leaves)
Also cover the compost well so that animals and small children do not get to the poisonous yew residue.
What is the best way to chop yew clippings?
You can chop yew branches like any other cuttings, for example in a garden shredder (€236.00 at Amazon). However, be sure to follow the precautionary measures mentioned above to ensure that no parts of the plant accidentally end up in your mouth! Safety glasses and a face mask are therefore essential, as are sturdy gloves and long clothing - after all, no toxic residues should remain on the skin. After cutting and chopping, take a shower, wash your hair thoroughly and also put the clothes you have worn in the washing machine.
Why shouldn't you put sick yew trees in the compost?
Yew tree residues can be composted, but this only applies to he althy trees. Sick yew trees, like which ones
- with yellow needles
- drying branches and needles
- Stains on needles and twigs
it is better to dispose of it with household waste or a landfill. They may be suffering from a fungal infection or other disease and therefore have no place in the compost. Fungal spores, for example, are not killed by composting and can spread further with the compost soil. By the way, this rule applies not only to sick yew trees, but also to all other clippings.
Can you use yew shredding for mulching?
In principle, there is nothing wrong with using yew shreds for mulching. However, there are limitations:
- Mulch from yew shreds acidifies the soil
- therefore only use on plants that require acidic soil (e.g. rhododendron, hydrangeas)
- or mix and distribute with other mulch (e.g. grass clippings)
- Do not use for fruit trees, berry bushes and other crops!
- Make sure that the yew mulch does not fall into the hands of children or is eaten by pets
Due to the toxicity of the yew, it should not be used as mulch for crops. Also remember that cuttings from conifers and conifers (including thuja, boxwood, etc.) have soil-acidifying properties.
Why should you chop egg at all?
But why do you need to chop up yew tree residue at all, you may ask yourself. The answer is very simple: Yew trees contain chemicals that hinder the rotting process. Shredding causes the yew branches to decompose more quickly, so you speed up the process.
By the way, these same rot-preventing substances are also the reason why yew trees age so extremely slowly and can become ancient.
Tip
Can you cut back yew trees a lot?
Yew trees are extremely tolerant of pruning. You can even reset them to the stick - i.e. H. cut just above the ground - and they would still sprout again and again. For this reason, the trees can be cut into almost any shape you want.
