Dead Holly Bushes

Question

Our holly bushes were healthy at our new house (we moved in about a year ago) and did very well through the fall and winter. This spring some new growth was evident, but suddenly all the green leaves started falling off both of the bushes. The bushes are now bare (July) and it looks as if the branches are browning out and dying. Should I cut the bushes way back, or are they too far gone?

Answer 1

Are they getting sufficient water? There is so much hot weather all across the country and many plants, even those that are established, require extra water this year. Just a normal sprinkler system is not getting the roots where the water is needed. Holly are pretty tough – I cut mine way back (because I didn’t want them) and they keep popping back. I would trim them back about half, make sure they are getting sufficient water (lay hose next to plant with a tiny trickle and leave for ten minutes, if you are experiencing very dry weather). This should be done twice a week. YOu also could get a drip hose. I poke my fingers into soil to see how dry things are……….and water accordingly.