Personally, I've always liked them - they're so beautiful when they're in bloom. With our new house that was landscaped in November, our landscaper planted three white oleanders - two in the side corner of our back yard, that will hopefully provide a privacy screen next to our outdoor fireplace. The other is planted on the other side of the house, hopefully to block our gigantic generator that we have for future storms and hurricanes.

I've read horror stories of how oleander roots will search for water and damage sewer lines and pipes, etc. Since we are "old" (almost 58 years old) is that really a serious worry in our lifetime? I know it seems like a silly question, but I am curious.

The "poisonous" part I don't mind - we don't have little children or pets, and most if not all locals/neighbors know they are poisonous.

One other note - ours are not very pretty yet, perhaps because they were planted in winter. They also look like they have a little frost burn? on them. Should I trim back now or just allow them to grow?

Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions or info.

Yes, since you're a Katrina evacuee, you understand completely about incorporating a generator in the landscape (a perennial!)