AT A GLANCE
Is the yew tree recommended as a Christmas tree?
The yew can basically be used as a Christmas tree, as it stays fresh for a long time and can be cut into shape. However, due to its toxicity, it is less suitable for children and pets.
Can you use yew as a Christmas tree?
In principle, the native European oak (Taxus baccata) is just as suitable as the ornamental plant no less used cup yew (Taxus media) great as a Christmas tree. In contrast to the firs otherwise used for this purpose (e.g. B. the Nordmann fir) yews stay fresh for a very long time and the needles seem to stay on the tree forever.
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In addition, the wood can be cut into shape, so that you can educate your Christmas tree in advance in the desired growth form. Yews can be used either felled or in a pot as a Christmas tree. As potted yew you can use the tree every year.
Where can I buy yew for a Christmas tree?
With the classic Christmas tree sellers, you're unlikely to become one yew find. Sometimes you can - of course only with the permission of the responsible forester! – You can also cut your Christmas tree yourself in the forest and possibly fall back on a beautifully grown yew tree.
However, the trees in the wild are now rare, so you either have to use a specimen from your own garden or a potted yew from the garden center. Yews are very adaptable and can be cultivated in planters for years.
How do I care for yew trees as a Christmas tree?
In order for the needles to stick to the branches for as long as possible and for the Christmas tree to stay fresh, it needs enough water. Potted yews are therefore particularly suitable as a Christmas tree - put them in the living room if necessary, decorate them, water them regularly and bring the tree back outside after Christmas.
Felled trees should be placed in a stand with a water reservoir. After the feast you can dispose of the tree or chop, but it is better not to use it as a mulching material or to use it composting.
Why should I do without yew as a Christmas tree?
The serious disadvantage of the yew is its great toxicity: all parts of the plant, with the exception of the red pulp, are poisonous. Just a few needles or berries can cause potentially fatal poisoning with vomiting and even respiratory paralysis.
You should therefore avoid using the yew tree as a Christmas tree if possible, especially if you have children and/or pets. Usually, mere skin contact with parts of the yew tree is not poisonous, but they must not get into the oral mucosa (or inside the body in any other way).
Tip
Other suitable Christmas trees
Instead of the boring fir or the poisonous yew, you can also use other conifers. For example, (pillared) juniper, (pillared) arborvitae, cypress, cork fir, sugar loaf spruce or dwarf pine can also be used as a Christmas tree. The species mentioned are often available as miniature versions that can be cultivated in pots and do not take up much space in the living room.