Gardening - Q&A: Cutting Back Holly Bushes

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Q&A: Cutting Back Holly Bushes

Question: There are three huge holly bushes in front of my house and I want to cut them down to a height were I can trim them without getting on a ladder. When is the best time to do this and can it be done without destroying the bushes?

Answer: You can renovate hollies but it's best to do it gradually, over a 2-3 year period, rather than hacking them back all at once. If you remove more than 1/3 of the healthy stems, branches and leaves, you'll stress the plant, making it susceptible to insect and disease problems. The best time to prune is early spring, before new growth begins. If you prune later, you may be pruning off the flowers, which will reduce or eliminate berry development. If berries aren't a special concern, go ahead and prune in summer.

Content provided by the National Gardening Association