A city councillor has raised concerns that a new graveyard tree policy could have "deadly" consequences.
Lisburn and Castlereagh cemeteries are to see diseased Ash Dieback trees removed with a proposal to replace them with "traditional Yew trees", according to the head of parks and amenities.
However, the decision generated a health query in council chambers.
Read more: Belfast Council looks to transform Tree Protection Orders.
Lisburn South UUP rep Jenny Palmer said: "Sometimes traditional is not always best, could we not look at Spruce trees even.
"I have looked more into Yews and there is a risk of poisonous berries. It is known as the death tree, likely as the Yews are planted a lot in cemeteries, but it is actually deadly.
"Should there really be Yew tress planted where people are gathering? As well as the danger to their pets?"
A council official agreed to look further into the use of the Yews.
Castlereagh South independent councillor, Nathan Anderson quipped: "Perhaps we couldn't quite get to the root of the problem."
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