Shearing is the act of maintenance where you simply trim the outermost twigs to control length. If your holly shrubs do not function as hedges or formal decorative pieces, allow them to grow naturally. Its not rocket science, but pruning is a bit more complicated than it looks. Cut branches off at the main branch or an intersecting branch in order to thin out the bush and create a more even distribution of branches throughout the shrub. Though its generally a low-maintenance shrub, you will need to prune your plant in order to keep its size under control and to promote the growth of lateral buds and shoots. Holly is a popular and decorative garden plant which ranges in size from 2 to 40 feet (. 6 to 12. 1 m). If you are cutting branches for holiday decorations, wait until the weather has turned cold to avoid stimulating new growth. The way you perform this upkeep depends on the particular type of holly you have: Perform regular trimming by cutting the outermost twigs to the nearest bud node. The ideal time to prune holly bushes is late winter to early spring , just before new growth begins. · snip all the branches of dark green, glossy holly leaves and twigs of red berries you want for holiday decor. Make clean pruning cuts at the leaf nodes, and dont overharvest branches or berries. Only cut directly above a lateral bud, rather than haphazardly in a mid-section of the branch or twig. In general, take your pruning cues from the holly s natural shape. Cutting far back into the shrub means that future growth on that site is unlikely, as older wood does not regenerate as easily as new wood. Soak your tools in the solution for at least five minutes, and then rinse with water. This timing minimizes stress and encourages healthy development. The spring flowers on the bush will eventually turn into colored berries in the fall. Make the cut in the right place. While some holly requires only moderate pruning in the first few years of growth, other kinds need a more vigorous pruning regimen. · to ensure the production of flowers and berries on your holly bush, it should be pruned in late winter. Thinning is generally preferred over shearing, as exclusively shearing will encourage dense growth on the outer edges of the plant and keep sunlight from getting to inner branches. This is necessary because pruning tools can spread disease among to other plants or to different, healthy parts of the same plant. If you disregard this principle and leave stubs from the places where youve cut, the stubs will heal more slowly. In addition to rubbing alcohol, you can also use a solution made from pine oil cleaner, household bleach, or ammonium salts. This can create a transparent or hollow look which is considered less desirable than a full, even growth. Light to moderate pruning , of course, is perfectly fine, and you can use the trimmings in holiday decorations. See full list on wikihow. com Be sure to cut strategically: While large holly shrubs rarely require pruning, shrubs used as hedges need to be trimmed yearly to keep a clean silhouette and shape. Shear along the surface of leaf growth to make sure the cut is even. · to rejuvenate an old holly, it is better to prune in stages, removing about 1/3 of the growth every year. Pruning fresh-cut greens and berry branches in late fall does not harm holly shrubs. Once the cold temperatures have ceased, but before the new spring growth appears, that’s the time to prune the holly bush. Identify any branches jutting out from the bush. Also, be sure to make angled cuts so that water can drain off the wounds. Master the basics of pruning. Otherwise, clean tools with soap and water before putting them away. Disinfecting your tools will help you avoid this contamination. Also keep upper branches shorter than lower ones in order to ensure that sunlight can reach the lower branches. · prune deciduous hollies in winter and evergreen hollies in late winter or early spring. There are different techniques of shaping and specific places on the shrub where you should make the cuts, so dont just start chopping. It also leaves the plant more susceptible to insects and diseases. By waiting till your hollies are about to begin active growth, youll also avoid several months of a skeleton appearance. Long offshoots need to be cut back entirely or simply shortened to keep the shrubs shape. Use other natural items, like pine boughs, pinecones, and english ivy to supplement holly. Before you get started, take a minute to review the fundamental terms and concepts pertaining to pruning. Be sure to use denatured alcohol if pruning a dying or diseased holly shrub. Thinning is where you cut and remove branches throughout the shrub.
