Precision Pruning

Hi Cindy, This is a great time to prune all Holly woody shrubs and Holly trees. This a plant which responds very well to all methods of pruning, including heavy rejuvenation. Savannah Hollies, Fosteri, Burfordi, Nellie R. Stevens, Emily Brunner, Palatka, and others all grow as trees when allowed, but if too big for your specific can be heavily rejuvenated in the Late Winter and Early Spring. The Spring flush of growth will come back quickly and by mid Summer your Holly will look great. I recommend using a razor tooth pruning saw if the branches are large, and nice sharp Felco or similar pruners for smaller shaping cuts. Do not paint any cut ends, and fertilize with an Osmocote or slow release fertilizer to give them the nutrients needed for re-growth. If the conditions become dry, then water at least once a week deeply. Keep in mind any heavy shaping or heavy rejuvenation will take away flowering limbs which will make berries this next winter, but the sacrifice is beneficial. Don't be afraid to cut and properly prune all Holly plants. Make clean cuts, and re-cut any limbs are broken or jagged in the process. Also, remove any dead or diseased wood while pruning. Maintenance pruning is fine all Summer long by taking deep cuts to create inner growth. Hope this helps, and feel free to contact me if you need any other explanation. Sincerely, Rob Browder