lets start by figuring out why it did this .... was snow load an issue???

ken

It doesn't have to be snowload. Sky Pencil Japanese holly - the plant in question - is known to display this splaying habit rather randomly.

I'd suggest using some fishing line to loosely gather and secure the splaying branches together. Eventually these stems should stiffen and remain more upright. The line will be invisible. But don't pull it too tightly!!

no it doesnt.. but you have to figure it out to avoid it in the future ... dont you???

and if you tie it up ... you remove and retie ..... at least once a year ... its not a once and forget forever thing.. imo ...

ken

ps: should the mulch be pulled back from the trunk??? ...

Narrow is a relative term. Do you know the standard width of this shrub? You could google it.

Fishing line is a good idea.

There is nothing to figure out :-) It is just the way this particular cultivar is inclined to behave from time to time. Often you can see this tendency developing in nursery stock so individual plant selection for best form is a priority.

Hello all,

Thanks for the comments. I have not been home and for whatever reason I can not make replies to gardenweb via my android phone. Anyone else have this issue?

So, yes snow possibly played a factor. After each storm as I am snowblowing I do shake off my plants. Could the damage have been...possibly yet the other plant that is only feet away is fine.

I can try the fishline trick and yes must retie since the plant will grow. If you think this sucker might just be a wild child..I could by another (they have them again this year at costo) and replant somewhere else. I probably could return it but it get thrown away.

My neighbor has these 'pencil' shrubs. I liked the fact that they stay tall and narrow. The day I spoke to him last year I went to Costco and saw these, saw the word 'pencil' and took a chance.

So, tie it up or replace. If I replace it, will it catch up to other in height though or do I trim the other? Of course I might get another wild child!

here is what it looks like....

think I should relocate and replace or just tie up?