ARKELL – The Township of Puslinch has removed 50 shrubs planted a few months ago out of “an abundance of caution” from an Arkell park due to concerns of their toxicity.
The sides surrounding Boreham Park where yew shrubs once were are now dug up with many holes as the township removed the shrubs that were planted in the fall of 2023 as part of final landscaping to finish off upgrades at Boreham Park in Arkell.
The Boreham Park Committee of the Concerned Citizens of Puslinch had pushed back against yew shrubs being planted. Bruce Taylor, group member, said in a letter yew plants have “highly poisonous levels in the alkaloids (taxine a and b) of all varieties of yew plants, to all humans, especially children, and animals such as dogs.”
Interim CAO Courtenay Hoytfox said via email the township consulted with an environmental and forestry expert upon receiving the complaint and ultimately the township decided to remove the shrubs.
“While the likelihood of a child, dog or cat consuming parts of a yew shrub are low, out of an abundance of caution, the plants were removed successfully with an intact root ball and soil,” Hoytfox wrote. “The shrubs have been wrapped in burlap and will be stored in a cool dry storage area until they can be replanted at another location (likely the township office) in early spring.”
She explained the shrub is frequently planted during landscaping projects due to its versatility and easy maintenance but acknowledged there is a concern with toxicity to livestock that are more likely to consume parts of this plant if available and it shouldn’t be planted near livestock pens or barns.
Township staff will be considering replacement shrubs for Boreham Park in early spring.
