Holly Tree

Question

I replanted a holly tree last September. It was dug up and planted immediately. I watered it well every night for one week…it seemed fine, then one by one the leaves began to fall off. Not all of them have fallen off, but they are grey in color and obviously dead. The trunk still seems green, except for the very top. On reading advice from your website, it did say even though all the leaves have dropped off, do not pull it up because it may come forth in the spring. I am really upset that it appears to be dead. I brought it from England with me years ago…my Dad grew it himself and it was only 2″ tall when I planted it here. I wish now that I had never replanted it, but it was growing against a wall and did not have enough room to spread its branches. It was also fairly sheltered. What do you think my chances are that it is going to be okay? In the hurricane we had here, it was almost flattened, but I got it straightened out and now I am just waiting for spring. It is just outside my window so I see it every day and I’m just hoping.

Answer 1

I’m afraid you’ve done all you can at this point. Now waiting is all that is left. As long as the branches/trunk remain green and pliable, there is a good chance the plant will come back. You may want to check the soil to ensure that it’s not too wet, however, which could lead to fungal issues and root rot. In addition, it may help to prune back some of the dead growth in early spring to make way for new growth to develop.