Can I cut my 20′ holly tree back to a trunk about 4 feet off the ground?

Question

How long will it take to grow branches and leaf back up?

Answer 1

It will likely not survive well if you do this. Hollies can only be pruned back by about 1/3 per year - any more than this and you risk putting the plant in shock and killing it.

Whether it would grow back if it survived would depend on the variety and the health of the lower branches.