Holly bushes were damaged during the winter

Question

Holly bushes were damaged during the winter. Brown leaves. How far down can I trim them and can I do it now (April)? The brown leaves go far down to the main stem. The bushes are about 12 years old. I’ve trimmed them gently every year. They look bad.

Answer 1

Here is an article about holly pruning that you might find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
You can prune back the branches to the live growth (green tissue), but you should wait until after the last frost date. Call your local Extension Service https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
for information on that date.