The berries are still green too. When do they turn red? Thanks.
Weather is often the culprit. Drought conditions, an early frost, high temperatures can cause fruit drop. Make sure your bushes are getting enough water.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/when-does-holly-bloom-fruit.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/common-types-of-holly.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/diseases-of-holly-bushes-pests-and-diseases-damaging-holly-bushes.htm
I had just transplanted them this spring and they did great all summer long. It is November, and they have lost all the red berries that they had during summer. Confused.
I wouldn't expect them back this winter. Did they drop or could birds and squirrels have eaten them? When you transplanted the bushes to a new site, the change in cultural conditions may have played a part. Check their growing conditions with these tips:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/growing-holly-bushes.htm
Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to buy a Holly for the berries and for the wildlife. Do I need to buy more than one (polination) or can I just get one and i will still get the berries? I am trying to organise a mixed Native hedge. Kind regards Francoise Barron
When you find where you intend to purchase, you will want to ask them for a male and a female. Both will need to be present in order to cross pollinate.
If there are others in the area, then it may not be necessary.
choices are holly nelli stevens, holly steeds, leyland cypress, aborvitae what is your recommendation
Holly shrubs tend to be hardier than Cypress or Arborvitae... But all of those are suitable choices.
t now to have a better shape. Also deer ate the tops off some branches over the winter and they are brownish looking now.
Now would be a good time to prune. I wouldn't take off more than 1/3 of the shrub, though.
You may want to treat with a fungicide to mitigate some of the damage from the deer.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/growing-meserve-blue-hollies.htm
About 4 - 6 inches was cut off of top. I have heard that it top is cut off, the plant will not continue to grow in its normal pyramidal shape.
It will recover, but it will not retain its original shape, unfortunately.
This collection of articles will help with the care of Holly shrubs:
For several years now, my once healthy holly tree is losing its leaves and has become very sparse. I have tried removing the mulch around it and also using a fertilizer on the perimeter of the tree, but it gets worse every year. Is there something I can do to help my poor tree?
Many times, leaf drop in Hollies can be quite normal in spring. However, since this continues throughout the year, I would suspect disease. There are a few that can affect the tree. These microbes can be destroyed with general fungicide use and proper maintenance. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-leaf-loss-in-spring.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm