Should I Trim All Of The Brown Leaves Off My Nellie Stevens Hollies?

Question

My nellie stevens hollies took a beating this year from the cold and wind. They are about 6 feet tall, I have 12 of them. Several are covered with brown leaves. I am hoping that they bounce back. It is mid March, should I trim off the brown leaves and leave bare branches? what should I consider?

Answer 1

The leaves should drop off and be replaced by new leaves. If a whole branch died, you can cut it out. Scrape off some of the bark on the branch and if it is green underneath, it is still alive. If it is white or gray, the branch can be pruned out.

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/leaf-scorching-in-holly.htm

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/02/how-can-i-help-my-holly-bush-brown-leaves-dead-branches-it