Dangers of ligustrum

Q: I just bought a ligustrum. A friend told me ligustrum is dangerous to asthmatics and people with general respiratory problems. Is this true?

 A. Ligustrum is known to trigger allergic problems for some people. The reaction to the pollen will depend on one’s own metabolism. Keeping ligustrum as a clipped plant will prevent flowering and, therefore, no pollen will be produced.

Q: Lichens are growing on my azaleas and crepe myrtles? How can I control it?

 A: Lichen is not a parasite so its control is not necessary. Put your attention into the maintenance of the plant it is on; as the plant becomes healthier the lichen will be shaded out. Lichen can be picked off. In the past, copper spray was used in its control.