Q.Holly Berries
I live in Western PA. Every year my hollies get lots of berries in the spring, then fall off before they mature. This is happening now while they are tiny and green. How can I keep the berries from falling off? I have 3 groups in different areas of our yard… sun and sun/shade. They all have the same problem.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Oftentimes, this is due to poor pollination. If not properly pollinated, the berries will drop before they are fully mature. Lots of times changes in temperature, lots of rain, of a lack of pollinating insects are the cause. There is probably nothing that you can do for this year, but next year you need to take steps to make sure that the shrubs can be properly pollinated. These articles will offer suggestions for improving pollination: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/insect-pollination-process.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/creating-a-pollinator-garden.htm
