In England, the Common Yew (Taxus baccata, also known as English Yew) is
often found in churchyards. It is sometimes suggested that these are
placed there as a symbol of long life or trees of death
As an Englishman who grew up by a churchyard with just such trees
I might add that Yew is a very poisonous tree, its berries are on par
with Deadly Nightshade. The vicar once told me that the poison keeps away evil
spirits. (But then people tell children anything to make them aware of
danger so it might be rubbish).
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