Hi everyone,

Cynthia - I don't know what type of Oak Tree you have; is it the one with the broard leaf like an "English Oak" or does it have the needle like leaves like what we call a "She Oak" or "Swamp Oak" (Casuarina) in Australia?

I have no personal experience about these leaves being harmful to brom's except what I once read about a grower who put his plants beneath a She Oak (fine needle like leaves) and all the plants rotted in the cups which were full of needles.

Plants he had placed beneath other different trees on the same property were OK so the assumption was that the She Oak needles were harmful to brom's.

If in doubt wash them out well and move to a new location.

I hope this helps you a bit.

All the best, Nev.

They are live oaks.

The leaves are not needle-like. They're just leaves, not as broad as a regular oak, I don't think, but not needles. I like the way the broms look where they are and would like to keep them there if possible.

Do a search in the Florida gardening forum it has been discussed there. I have 5 different Neos growing under mine and I clean the cups when we have a big leaf drop. Some neos. are doing well some are not. The Achmeas don't seem to care. So I think it may be more about the types you grow there. I run in the morning and a few miles away there is an Oak tree that has neos achmeas and guzmons thriving they are kept very clean.