What's wrong with my Inkberry Holly?

11 years ago

We inherited some Inkberry Hollies in the house we purchased and they lost most of their leaves last winter. They filled in on the tops this summer but the bottoms are still bare. There was a tree (recently removed) that may have been blocking sunlight to the bottom branches, preventing them from growing, but I'm not sure. I'm looking for recommendations to get them to fill out again, if that's even possible. Do we need to do a "renewal" prune in late winter?

I could replace them, but I would love to save them.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
if the tree was just removed ... and it significantly shaded them ..

i would suggest.. you see what happens next year.. with the new sun ....

i might.. if i had more experience with Hs .... rejuvenation prune about half the large stems down low ... hoping to trigger newer lower growth ... while leaving the top to soak up all that new sunshine ...

but all that said... they were improperly planted.. much too close to the house ... especially with the large bed there now ... perhaps they should be moved out ... unless .. thru pruning.. they can be kept very small.. off the house ...

those with more H experience can take it from here....

ken
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
11 years ago
Where do you live?
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sandi0820
Original Author
11 years ago
Sorry - live in Northeastern Ohio - Zone 6. Thanks!
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
11 years ago
Likely they were newly planted in which case they tend to drop lower leaves more readily -- especially after two rough winters. You could consider rejuvenation pruning like Ken said.