Toxicity

Cautions and safety

The main cautions with teak are its size, its dislike of wet ground, the skin allergy its sawdust can cause, and the rules on felling and moving its timber.

• Eating and pets: whether any part of teak is poisonous to eat is not well documented, and we found no listing for teak in the ASPCA plant database for cats and dogs. Do not eat any part of it, keep children and pets from chewing it, and see a doctor or vet if anyone swallows part of the plant and feels unwell.
• Sawdust can cause skin allergy. In a 1962 study of a Norwegian furniture factory, H.K. Krogh found that about half of the workers heavily exposed to teak dust had eczema or severe itching, and allergic contact eczema was diagnosed in 12.5%. If you saw, sand or carve teak, wear gloves, long sleeves and a dust mask, and see a doctor if a rash appears.
• Wet ground. Teak does not tolerate waterlogging (ICRAF). Avoid low corners, lawns watered every day and the area around leaking tanks.
• Do not plant only teak. ICRAF notes that, because teak is deciduous, pure teak plantations are discouraged, and recommends planting it mixed with mostly other native species.
• Space. It grows into a very large tree with wide, shallow roots. Do not plant it close to buildings, compound walls or underground pipes, and never in a pot for good (see the FAQ).
• Check the rules before felling or moving timber. A 2014 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change guideline says states should not need felling or transit permits for teak where it does not grow in natural forests. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the other states with natural teak forests may still require permission, so ask your state forest department before you cut a teak tree or move its wood.
• It is a long-term tree. Timber needs decades to mature, and its value depends on age, girth, wood quality and local rules. Treat any quick-profit promise with care.