GreenRif

Disclaimer

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General gardening information

The content on GreenRif is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who can assess your specific situation, such as a certified arborist, licensed pest-control operator, landscape professional, veterinarian or physician.

Gardening results depend on many factors we cannot control: your climate and USDA hardiness zone, microclimate, soil, weather, plant variety, timing and care. Planting dates, rates and spacing in our guides are typical ranges and may need adjusting where you live. Your state’s Cooperative Extension service is an excellent free source of local, research-based advice.

Plant toxicity: pets and children

Many common garden plants and houseplants — including lilies, daffodils, foxglove, oleander, sago palm, pothos and philodendron — are toxic to cats, dogs, other animals and people if chewed or eaten, and some cause skin irritation. We try to flag toxicity where it is relevant, but we cannot list every risk for every plant.

  • Check a plant’s toxicity before bringing it into a home or garden used by children or pets.
  • The ASPCA maintains a searchable list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and horses.
  • If a person may have swallowed a poisonous plant, mushroom or chemical, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or emergency services.
  • If a pet may have eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
  • Never eat a wild or garden plant, mushroom or flower unless you are certain of its identification and that it is safe to eat.

Pesticides, fertilizers and other garden chemicals

Some guides mention fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides — including organic and “natural” products, which can also be harmful if misused. Whenever you use any garden chemical:

  • Read and follow the entire product label. For pesticides, the label is a legal document; using a product in a way that is inconsistent with its label is against federal law.
  • Wear the protective equipment the label specifies, such as gloves and eye protection.
  • Keep children and pets away from treated areas for the time stated on the label.
  • Store products in their original containers, out of reach of children and pets.
  • Avoid applying near water, before rain, or on windy days, and protect pollinators by not spraying open flowers when bees are active.
  • Dispose of leftover products according to the label and your local hazardous-waste rules.
  • Check local and state regulations; some products are restricted where you live. The EPA’s safe pest control guidance is a good starting point.

Mentioning a product or active ingredient is not an endorsement, and we always suggest trying non-chemical methods first.

Tools, DIY projects and physical work

Garden DIY projects and physical tasks involve risks, including from power tools, ladders, lifting, heat and sun exposure. Follow manufacturers’ instructions, use appropriate safety equipment, and call 811 before you dig to have underground utility lines marked. Hire a qualified professional for tree removal, electrical and structural work.

No liability

We work to keep our content accurate and up to date, but we make no guarantees about its completeness or accuracy. You use the information on this site at your own risk. To the extent permitted by law, GreenRif is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, the site’s content. See our terms of use for details.

Advertising and external links

The site may display ads served by third parties. Ads are not endorsements and do not influence our editorial content. We link to external sources for reference and are not responsible for their content. We do not currently use affiliate links; if that changes, affiliate links will be clearly disclosed on the pages where they appear.

Questions or corrections

If you believe something on the site is inaccurate or unsafe, please contact us so we can review it promptly.