British BBQ Society Forums

I have a holy tree in the garden which is going to be cut down.

Anyone used wood from this to smoke food?

Did a quick Google and it can be used for logs - but not found any reference for smoking food.

Cheers,

Simon

Personally I would stay clear of smoking with it not only because I’ve never heard of anyone doing it but also the berries are mildly poisonous, in would be worried about the smoke from the wood containing the same toxins as the berries and mixing that with food could make you and your guests ill

As Ed said the berries of the holly are toxic to a degree so I would assume the sap is as well

Holly shoud be fine, its a very hard wood and the wood itself isn't poinsonous.
I would actually sell the wood to any makers of walking sticks round your area as its a premium wood for wood workers and stick makers. Also if you have a open fire or wood burner ...its a very bright wood to burn and gives a high heat.