Hi all,

Which is messier? Podocarpus or Holly, as far as dropping leaves?

We have some podocarpus near our pool (not sure what species) on a side that doesn't get people traffic, but they have been very very messy in that with a little bit of wind...drop LOTS of their thin leaves. I've cleaned them out of our pool almost weekly for the last 8 years but have put up with them because they make a great screen between us and our close by 2 story neighbors house. And, they grew fast (to 30 ft in about 8 years). Just getting tired of cleaning up after them and would like something that requires less time to pick up after.

What about a Nellie R. Stevens Holly? I could shape them nicely on about 4 ft centers and let them grow to their max (up to 30ft I've read).

I realize that most, if not all trees, drop leaves to some degree.

Is the Nellie Stevens Holly as messy as a Podocarpus?

Thanks.