Cutting down holly trees

[arniecardigan]

When I started in Forestry 25ish years ago I was told by an old boy that Holly was a widowers tree and you should never cut one down completely!! prunning is ok but dont fell them to the ground!! I've prunned a few but can't ever remember felling one and I'm still here so that proves it!!

[fergusonforestry]

Didn't know holly was unlucky to cut. I know its supposed to be unlucky to cut Rowan, but never noticed any coming my way after I've cut them. Not supposed to burn elder either, according to one of the old poems it brings a death to the house.

 

im sure the elder superstition has something to do with cyanide content ?

[woodyguy]

I would imagine that Holly superstitions are around its use as emergency winter fodder for animals until this century. In the triangle from Leeds, Manchester and Derby there is an area where much Holly is grown within woods for animal fodder. In Shropshire at the Stipperstones they have 400 year old hollies kept going for fodder.

 

So cutting holly to feed your starving cow was good. Cutting the tree right down would be bad luck as next time there was a bad winter they'd have nothing to eat.

 

Anybody know of any other non-occult reasons?

[Stubby]

I felled a holly once About 2ft dia but been pollarded a lot so not very tall . I heard it was bad luck but pressed on anyway . On the back cut hit a Victorian nail that was about 2inches off center . That was bad luck for the chain .

[Nick B]

That,s a new one to me never heard of that before.

I must say I have also removed holly trees before don't remember anything happening. Yet:001_smile:

[Andy Collins]

I've known of this rumour, but I don't hold any store by it. And I'm the luckiest bloke alive so it must be bull

[rptreeservices]

I had to fell about 2 acres of mature holly, about a year ago, since that i have lost the end of my finger on a log splitter, my sex life seems to have gone downhill, and the alternator went on my van the other day so it might be true or maybe these things would of happened any way.... who knows!!

[Grass hopper]

Holly ???? in Ireland you don't cut Hawthorn tree's...........

[woodyguy]

In England it's fine to cut hawthorn you just don't bring it into the house or someone will die. The blossom does stink inside but seems a bit strong.

[felixthelogchopper]

im sure the elder superstition has something to do with cyanide content ?

 

Isn't that Laurel?