How to prune holly trees to keep height restriced to 6-7 feet - Ask Extension
I have a row of 8 holly trees at the back of my property that can get very tall. Over the years they had grown to nearly 15 feet tall with long late...
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How to prune holly trees to keep height restriced to 6-7 feet #772168
Asked September 18, 2021, 12:12 PM EDT
I have a row of 8 holly trees at the back of my property that can get very tall. Over the years they had grown to nearly 15 feet tall with long lateral branches which were intertwined with similar branches from the adjacent holly trees. Two years ago I pruned them back to about 6 feet tall and removed most of the lateral branches. Since then the trees have developed new lateral and top growth. I would like to keep the trees from getting much taller than 6 feet and keep the lateral growth under control.
Do you have any information that can help me with this. I am particularly interested in how to effectively control the height of the trees.
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Bill Monroe
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello, here is information about pruning hedges:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
To control the height, you'll want to use thinning cuts to remove the vertical growing stems.
Also, use thinning cuts to remove lateral branches that are intertwined with the other hollies.
Here's general information about pruning trees and shrubs: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/general-pruning-techniques
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
To control the height, you'll want to use thinning cuts to remove the vertical growing stems.
Also, use thinning cuts to remove lateral branches that are intertwined with the other hollies.
Here's general information about pruning trees and shrubs: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/general-pruning-techniques
Hollies can be pruned very hard and they will rebound. You can shape them as you like.
After pruning, thin out regrowth as needed.
Hello, here is information about pruning hedges:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
To control the height, you'll want to use thinning cuts to remove the vertical growing stems.
Also, use thinning cuts to remove lateral branches that are intertwined with the other hollies.
Here's general information about pruning trees and shrubs: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/general-pruning-techniques
Hollies can be pruned very hard and they will rebound. You can shape them as you like.
After pruning, thin out regrowth as needed.
