This is important — All species of yew contain highly poisonous alkaloids known as taxanes, with some variation in the exact formula of the alkaloid between the species.

All parts of the tree except the arils contain the alkaloid.

The arils are edible and sweet, but the seed is dangerously poisonous; unlike birds, the human stomach can break down the seed coat and release the taxanes into the body. This can have fatal results if yew ‘berries’ are eaten without removing the seeds first.

Make certain your kids know this!

Similar in overall appearance to the yew, plum yew’s foliage is a little coarser in texture and more olive green in color. There are low growing selections (‘Prostrata’) and a very beautiful, large, wide, spreading shrub (‘Duke Gardens’).

Unlike yew, plum yews are much more tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and are equally adapted to dense shade plantings. This makes them ideal in poor soil areas of your backyard landscape where you have trouble growing plants.

These are easy to grow and can cover large areas or, if you prefer, you can keep them trimmed.

Bird houses should be easily accessible so you can see how your birds are doing and, when the time comes, clean out the house.

Part of having bird houses is your willingness to watch out for your tenants. Monitor your bird houses every week and evict unwanted creatures: house sparrows, starlings, rodents, snakes, and insects.

Be careful when you inspect your bird boxes. You may find something other than a bird inside. Don’t be surprised to see squirrels, a mouse, a snake, or insects. Look for fleas, flies, mites, larvae, and lice in the bottom of the box.

If you find insects and parasites, your first reaction may be grab the nearest can of insect spray. If you do, use only insecticides known to be safe around birds: 1% rotenone powder or pyrethrin spray. If wasps are a problem, coat the inside top of the box with bar soap.

Here’s how to check your nest boxes:

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