Find out how and when to prune holly bushes of all types to keep them looking their best.
However, hollies benefit from regular, light pruning.
Time it right and make the best cuts with these simple tips for pruning holly bushes of all types.
Credit:Laurie Black
When to Prune Holly
Aim to prune holly bushes before the plant starts growing in spring.
In areas with freezing winters, prune in February or March before new shoots and leaves develop.
In warmer regions, you’re free to prune holly as early as January.
Pruning before the growing seasonpaves the way for healthy growth in the coming year.
Pruning spurs new growth.
Remember that holly grows slowly.
Look to nature for size and shape.
Most hollies look best when they can grow into their natural size and shape.
Before pruning, have a good sense of the mature shape of your holly shrub.
Prune plants lightly to promote their natural shape.
Japanese holly, on the other hand, can tolerate heavy pruning well.
When pruned minimally, Japanese holly has a mounded, upright shape.
Remove dead or damaged wood.
Cut the compromised branch back to healthy growth.
Applying a wound sealant is unnecessary; the plant will quickly seal the wound naturally.
Cut out crossed branches.
Keep an eye out for crossing and rubbing branches.
Over time, friction from these close-growing branches can wound the bark and lead to poor plant structure.
Choose the strongest, outward-growing branch and remove the companion branch back to the main stem or ground level.
Snip holiday greens anytime.
Pruning fresh-cut greens and berry branches in late fall does not harm holly shrubs.
Use the right tools.
Sharp tools are essential for making clean cuts on woody holly branches.
Asharp pair of prunerswill accomplish most light pruning tasks.
Use a pair of loppers to cleanly cut branches that are more than about 12 inch in diameter.
Fast-growing Japanese holly tolerates severe pruning well.
This holly can be cut back to 2 feet tall in spring and regrow to form a pleasing shrub.
Significant pruning like this is called renovation or renewal pruning.
Otherwise, it’s best to never remove more than a third of the plant at a time.
Water well after pruning.
Pruning spurs plant growth, and good growth requires ample moisture.
Water holly shrubs deeply after pruning.
Water deeply again about one week later if conditions are dry.
