The Holiday Season is in full swing and I am wishing all of you a Happy Holiday. I thought I would address some of the questions most asked by homeowners during this time of year.
Mistletoe and Poinsettias are always popular decorations but some people are afraid to use these plants when they have kids or pets due to misinformation. Nothing says “holiday” like a beautiful poinsettia. The poinsettia plant is not deadly. If ingested by plants or kids, it can cause a mouth rash or skin rash from the juices and depending upon the amount ingested, it can cause a stomach upset but I don’t think most kids will find it their favorite treat. If you have concern, you can always set it out of reach,
Until recently, mistletoe was widely considered extremely poisonous. Swallowing mistletoe can cause slight stomach upset symptoms but it is not highly toxic. Since the “kissing, ball” is usually hung high, it is out of reach of most children and pets, but if a piece falls off and is ingested, studies have shown no fatalities.
Homeowners are always interested in how to protect plants during winter cold weather where freezing temperatures are expected. The number one protection and the easiest is to make sure plants have sufficient water in the soil before cold weather arrives. This can be provided by natural rainfall or if conditions are dry, by using your irrigation system. Hand watering can also provide moisture if you do not want to run your irrigation system. No matter how you choose to add water, do so!
Enjoy your holidays and this break from most landscape maintenance. Spring will be coming and your maintenance chores will return, but for now, have fun. See you in the New Year!!