Question:
Should I be concerned about the oleander trees planted along a fence next to a sidewalk? Several of my gardening books make it very clear that all parts of the Oleander plant are poisonous. Last year, the flower petals were all over the sidewalk. Also, is there a method of preventing the sucker growth at the base?Answer:
- Oleander plants are poisonous and can pose a threat, although I wouldn't be concerned about the ones planted in the landscape.
- They have been planted extensively throughout the Bay Area for over five decades, in gardens, public areas, and for a while used as a highway divider.
- The casual contact or handling of the plant parts will not produce any adverse health issues.
- The Oleander toxin has to be ingested orally for problems to occur. Toddlers who like to put things in their mouths are at the greatest risk. Many years ago, a second concern was from breathing the smoke from burning Oleander debris. This was before our garden trimmings, and recycling items were picked up.
- Other examples of plants with similar health concerns characteristics like Oleanders are tomatoes, potatoes, and rhubarb. The leaves of these plants are poisonous when ingested.
- Also, the toxins are not transmitted when the roots rub or touch another edible or non-edible plant, and the flowers are safe unless ingested.
- Oleanders are a large growing shrub that produces new growth from the base as well as from lateral branches.
- Today, the single trunk form is very popular as an evergreen, small, flowering tree. It's developed from the bush form so it naturally tries to reestablish its natural shape by sending up suckers.
- You can't prevent this growth, but you slow it down with Sucker Stopper from Monterey Lawn and Garden. Sucker Stopper is a growth regulator that is applied to the base of the Oleanders, where the growth has been pruned off. Applied right after pruning, it should prevent the regrowth for many months.
Question:
Our new home has a large hedge that has not been pruned in twenty years. It needs to be shaped and height needs to be lower. Any suggestions about how best to prune this hedge? My neighbor suggested cutting it back with a chain saw.Answer:
- This is an excellent time to prune evergreens as the spring flush of growth is beginning. This also reduces the unattractive period as you wait for the new growth to appear.
- There are three approaches you could employ.
- One: over several growing seasons, you systemically reduce the height and reshape the trees. This would eliminate that the plants looked unappealing at any time.
- Two: The extreme option would be the 'chain saw' method and cut it back to the desired size. They'll recover in time, but they'll be annoying to look at.
- Option three is a hybrid of one an two. take down that portion and be patient with the rest. Ultimately, this is a judgment call on your part.