How do you prune Nellie Stevens holly?

Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches at the base of the Nellie R. Stevens holly. Cut back any over-reaching branches to the first healthy bud. Thin 10 to 15 percent of all the branches, cutting them back to the trunk.

Can you keep a Nellie Stevens Holly Short?

Nellie Stevens Hollies grow well along these lines, dividing yard from yard with rich, dense green year-round foliage. These Holly shrubs are somewhat drought resistant, meaning the Holly can survive short dry spells. Nor do these shrubs require much, if any, pruning.

How big does a Nellie Stevens holly get?

Vigorous and fast- growing, this Holly quickly grows into an attractive, broad pyramidally-shaped evergreen, 20 to 30 feet high and 10 to 12 feet wide.

When should Nellie Stevens holly be pruned?

spring
When should I prune my Nellie Stevens holly bush? The best time to prune is in the spring, since new growth is susceptible to frost.

Can I prune holly in summer?

For evergreen hollies, it’s best to prune in early summer so that this new growth won’t be damaged by cool temperatures. Don’t be surprised if female hollies have fewer berries after being pruned, because the process removes most of the summer flowers that develop into winter fruit.

When should holly bushes be trimmed?

So for best outcome and to ensure your hollies aren’t unduly stressed, wait until late winter or early spring — just as the plant breaks dormancy — before you do any major downsizing. By waiting till your hollies are about to begin active growth, you’ll also avoid several months of a skeleton appearance.

When should I prune my Nellie Stevens holly?

A good time to prune mature “Nellie Stevens” hollies is in middle to late fall or in the early spring. These older hollies can handle winter temperatures, even with pruned branches. Pruning in fall allows new growth to develop in the spring.

How do you shape a large holly tree?

Simply prune off new growth or up to ⅓ of the overall plant. Never prune the lower branches shorter than the upper branches. The lower branches won’t have good light penetration and your holly bush will suffer. For size control or invigorating an older overgrown plant, severe pruning can be implemented.

What is the difference between American holly and Nellie Stevens holly?

The fastest growing holly tree is the Nellie Stevens holly. As mentioned, the Nellie Stevens Holly grows about 3 feet per year. Compared to the American Holly and the Dragon Lady Holly, which both usually only grow a few inches each year, the Nellie Stevens holly grows very quickly.

Can I trim my holly bushes now?

Most people can prune a holly bush while the plant is dormant (in winter). In fact, December is actually a great time for holly bush pruning. Trimming holly bushes helps them keep their shape and appearance looking neat.