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What is an Allergy?  Caused by a protein from a plant or animal that interacts with a persons super sensitive immune system.  Yes people can be allergic to house plants.The plants that cause the most trouble are Ficus (weeping Fig) and Abutilon ( flowering Maple)  However

Plant Allergies  Most people who react to houseplant are reacting to the mold that is in the soil  Or wind borne pollen. Since most houseplants are not wind pollinated, this would be worse if one is outside during pollen release.  Common offenders: Rag weed, Pines, grasses

Contact Dermatitis oxalates in plant cells most irritating  Irritancy is mechanical in part and due to the anatomically sharp structure of the crystals themselves. The crystals are believed to be more irritant when longer than 180 µm. [21] The raphides of calcium oxalate have been classified historically as a chemical irritant mainly because they allow the penetration of other plant chemical toxins (including proteases, saponins, and other chemicals) that may not normally breach the skin on contact. They also enhance the penetration of known skin irritants, including many alkaloids from daffodil bulbs, bromelain in pineapples, and saponins in Dieffenbachia.

The healthiest houseplants for your home  Houseplants give off oxygen and help remove chemicals like formaldehyde, a common indoor vapor that can cause respiratory and neurological problems, as well as cancer,” he says. These five great picks may not cure asthma, but they can help you breathe easier.  English Ivy, Bamboo Palm, Peace lily, Spider plant, Rubber plant

Reasons for pruning  Prune to promote plant health  Remove dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage.  Remove branches and branch stubs that rub together.

Prune to maintain plants  encouraging flower and fruit development  maintaining a dense hedge  maintaining a desired tree form or special garden forms

Water sprouts Crossed branches Narrow angles

Saw Pole Trimmer Lopper Snippers or pruners

Apple that needs pruning

BeforeAfter

Spurs or short stems Long stems

This pear tree now has a new leader. The making the tree 3’shorter cuts

Pruning evergreens  Trees that have needles in fascicles ( red pine, white pine, Mugo pine) get pruned into only he new wood when the candles are ¾ grown. In Duluth that is often Grandmas Marathon weekend. Clip candles back and they will be able to branch from there next year.  Prune trees with Awl shaped needles (white cedar, red cedar) any time.  These trees can be thinned by cutting whole branches at the trunk

Deciduous shrubs  Unless you have a formal hedge, head back or thin stems from the base and retain the natural shape of the plant.  Common Lilacs have fewer flowers on old wood so take out the old stems at the base in the spring or after bloom. Trim off old flowers just after the flowers start senescing

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