Holly Pruning: [Reasons, Season, Tools and Steps to follow]

Holly is one of the most longed for winter plants because it maintains its green color and it is on these dates that it bears fruit.

It bears a certain resemblance to the mistletoe, which has earned it a place of honor in the holidays.

It is an ideal species to decorate the garden, especially if it is given the necessary care such as proper pruning.

Do you already know how to carry it out correctly? Because if not, with this information we will help you.

Why should we prune holly?

Holly pruning can be carried out for two main reasons: to remove damaged parts or to ensure that it has the shape we want.

The pruning of damaged parts is also known as sanitation and in this it is sought to eliminate all the parts that may be dry or dead.

It is not always about diseases, there may be the situation that a branch has been splintered by accident and remains dangerously. In the case of training pruning, what is sought is to give the plant the help to make it look more beautiful to the eye.

This adjusts the length and shape of the branches and gives you guidance on the areas you will cover. When it’s growing out of control all over the place, formation pruning helps it get back in shape and look much better.

When should we do the holly pruning?

The recommended time for pruning is between late winter and early spring, when the plant has stopped fruiting.

It must be taken into account that it is a species that supports pruning , but not more than one a year, so this work must be planned very well. However, as far as sanitation pruning is concerned, it can be done when needed.

What tools do we need to prune holly?

The main tool needed is the pruning shears. Since the branches of the holly are not particularly thick, with these garden shears it will always be more than feasible.

Of course, it is very important to make sure that they are well disinfected before proceeding to use them.

How should we prune holly without damaging it?

Have a pruning plan

Step-by-step holly pruning will first involve having a plan for what you want to accomplish with this procedure.

To shape the tree, different ways can be followed, considering whether to work in width, length or both.

width pruning

In the case of width, the ideal is to cut those branches according to the final length you want to achieve. If you want to completely eliminate one, it is best to make the cut well attached to the base of the trunk.

long pruning

For height, a similar strategy is followed, but it is necessary to take into account that the plant has a pyramidal growth form. Therefore, any work we do must go towards ensuring this natural form because otherwise, sooner or later, it will end up finding it.

sanitation pruning

It is important to note that when it comes to sanitation pruning , the ideal is for the cut to be made above the damaged area .

In this way, there will be no risk of the disease affecting the wound and taking up more space than necessary on the plant.

In case you cannot detect where the healthy part is, make progressive cuts and disinfect the scissors after each one. This way you will avoid causing contagion when you finally find the healthy area.

Holly pruning is a simple garden job that does not require much knowledge and can be applied in a short time. Of course, it is necessary to be very careful not to affect the plant too much so that it can prosper well.

Bibliography and references

Gil-Albert, Fernando. (2006). The pruning of ornamental bush spices. Second edition. Mundi-Press editions. Madrid Spain.
Utrillas, Luis Martinez. (2008). Our trees: the holly. Reproduced from: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/2603017.pdf
García, D. Experimental holly plantations for reforestation and production of ornamental twigs: first results. Spanish Society of Forest Sciences (SECF). Reproduced from: http://secforestales.org/publicaciones/index.php/congresos_forestales/article/view/15535/15378
May, Curtis. (1965). The pruning of shade trees and repair of their injuries. Regional Center for Technical Assistance – Mexico. Agency for International Development. Reproduced from: https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/CAT40000457/PDF