Yew timber

[Big J]

That tree has presumably been standing there for 400-500 years, without any major issues (I presume) with kids eating berries.

 

Such a bloody shame. The yew has lovely form and seems to be in the prime of life.

[Billhook]

It is criminal to remove such a tree for such a reason.

How will the children ever learn about these things if you just remove them?

There are many wild berries and poisonous plants out there which they need to learn about.

No child should be allowed to eat anything from the wild unless they are with a responsible adult.

[TGB]

I rather think, it is the parents intention to let the children play outside without supervision or education, hence the worry of their children eating something they should not. Still think the parents need to educate, (and perhaps supervise) their children, rather than have a perfectly good tree removed.

[se7enthdevil]

anyone who eats something without checking what it is first gets what they deserve in my opinion.

 

will eating one or two berries and seeds kill you?

 

will it even do them harm?

[TGB]

"Branches removed from a yew by high winds or pruning will retain their poison. Though the berries are harmless, the seed within is highly toxic. Unbroken it will pass through the body without being digested but if the seed is chewed poisoning can occur with as few as three berries."

 

Info from:

http://www.thepoisongarden.co.uk/atoz/taxus_baccata.htm

[treequip]

anyone who eats something without checking what it is first gets what they deserve in my opinion.

 

will eating one or two berries and seeds kill you?

 

will it even do them harm?

 

Foolish boy, an adult would be unlikely to eat the seeds but a child might. Dosage is relative to body mass so if a 6 foot 18 stone fool ate a seed or two the quantity of toxin ingested would be minor compared with say a small child who would be far more likely to eat them.

 

So given that a small dose could seriously harm a child are you going to stand by that statement?

 

As far as I can see the OP has done all they can and should stop listening to second guessers and break out the big saw.

[_Andy]

Would a fence be an option?

[inthewoods]

Would a fence be an option?

 

Euthanasia is probably a better option, I can't stand the "blocks out the light / fed up with clearing leaves" crowd but fair play to the op - if you don't do it, someone else will.

[Rushes]

Time for an emergency call to the tree officer.

[oldwoodcutter]

I know that tree, if you want rid take it up to my main yard and we'll convert that to firewood in no time.