Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for an outdoor Christmas tree and I'm hoping to find something evergreen that can stay under 8ft tall and has that classic cone shape. I'm leaning towards Taxus baccata, but I'm really worried about its toxicity, especially since I have a cat. Are there any other options you guys recommend, or am I being overly cautious about the poison factor?
3 Answers
I keep my Christmas trees in pots, so I can move them around depending on the season. They grow pretty slowly that way. I've tried spruces, but they tend to look sparse and drop needles. Instead, I’ve had a Nordmann fir for a couple of years now and it still looks lush. Just be sure to get one with a good root ball.
So, Yew trees (Taxus baccata) do have a reputation for being toxic, especially the seeds in the berries. But honestly, it’s pretty rare for cats to munch on them since they usually know what’s good for them. Plus, yews grow slowly, which is great if you want to keep it manageable! In my opinion, it's a lovely choice overall.
I have a Picea Pungens Super Blue and it's stunning! The color is really beautiful, and it stays nice and compact, so it’s perfect for what you’re looking for. Definitely consider it!