Summer 2007 year we planted a 'Nellie Stevens' in direct sunlight and in mostly sandy topsoil soil that was ammendeded to a depth of 18" (46cm) with 30% leaf compost, a bit of composted cow manure, and some peat moss too. During spring of 2008 we fertilized a ring around the tree near the outer perimeter of the filled hole [30" (76mm) dia] with Hollytone. It was was worked into the top 2" (5 cm) of soil. We have been keeping its soil moist (with deep watering), being careful not to drown it.

The tree has been getting lots of sun for about a year now, but we see no new growth. It is stuck at the purchased height 6' (2m). The tree is also very "open"; large gaps along its trunk with no branches or foliage. What to do to get this tree taller and denser???

Yet it is healthy enough to produce a small number of berries, which appeared last year and already this year too. We have no male hollies, nor do we see any in our neighborhood.

It is a border planting. If in the future it does begin growing, will we be able to maintain compactness indefinitely, or will its eventually old wood fail to be vigorous for good density if the spread is maintained at only 10' (3m)?