Jenny1234

Here is a photo of the tree, taken from our neighbours' garden. The chimney of our house is highlighted in red so you can see how much taller than the house it is - it didn't all fit in the photo, but the top is not much above the top of the picture. https://www.dropbox.com/s/zki789ecdif5l95/20140322_142024_HDR_resized%20-%20HouseHighlighted.jpg

Thank you bellringer for your reply - I don't think that the yew itself is 300 years old. We have some very old trees in our garden but although it is tall, it doesn't look that old!

I would be very grateful for any advice. I live in a large house in the Cotswolds, approximately 300 years old. There is a very large yew tree (taller than the house) within about 3 metres of the house. As far as I am aware, this tree is not protected by any TPO. This tree causes quite a nuisance as it blocks out a lot of light to my house. It overhangs my neighbours' garden and reduces light to their garden too. I have heard that yew can be poisonous, and as I have small children, this is also a worry to me. I would really like to have the whole tree removed. We have, in previous years, had it reduced in height, but this hasn't solved the problems. I would like to know how I can determine whether it is safe to cut down this tree. A google search has suggested that I might be worried about "heave" and that I might need to know what soil type I have before making a decision about cutting down the tree. I would welcome any advice from anyone who has any knowledge on this subject. My gardening knowledge is very limited!