Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: What should I do about my Holly bushes?
QUESTION:
I have two holly bushes they have the spiked leaves and berries growing on them. I
have read that the berries are poisonous. If I cut both bushes back it would kill
them. I want to stop the kids in the neighborhood from getting to the berries
without killing the bushes. Can you please advise me.
ANSWER:
Holly berries can cause vomitting and diarrhea if enough are eaten. Fortunately,
they are so bitter and nasty tasting that only the smallest children are likely
to try more than one. If you inform the parents and kids that the berries are
nasty tasting and can make kids feel sick, that might do the trick. Or a little
sign that says they are pretty, but poison. Or you could trim off the flowers .
If holly berries were as toxic as castor beans (one can kill a child under
certain circumstances), then I would be all for pulling them out or cutting off
the flowers to prevent berry formation. A little education might be sufficient in
your case.