Hello, I have one holly bush that doesn't produce berries and hasn't for a few years. I'm not sure if it is because it is a male and needs a female or a female that needs a male. Is there a way to tell the difference on a bush that doesn't have any flowering or berries at the moment? Thanks very much.
The flower is the distinguishing plant part between male and female. Male flowers have a stamen which produces pollen. Female flowers have a pistil. The complicating piece is different cultivars of holly may bloom at slightly different times. If you don't know the specifics on your holly, getting a useful mate for it may be trial and error.
In general, you need to study the type of flowers to decide if the plant is male or female. See: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-male-and-female-holly-bush.htm
We have a row of 6 holly trees about 20 years old. The past 3-4 years, they have been losing leaves, and now have about 1/3 of leaves gone. We have put fertilizer sticks in ground. I think they get enough water. (we have an irrigation system) Any suggestions?
You can prune out the stems without leaves. This information will help determine what is causing the leaf drop.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-leaf-loss-in-spring.htm
I have a source to be able to take the above cuttings from my daughters Trees at a local farm,
Take tip cuttings that are about 5 inches long in late summer or early fall when the stems are still flexible. You can treat them with a rooting hormone to increase the chance of rooting. Insert the cuttings in moist potting soil. They need a humid environment so enclose the cuttings in a plastic bag.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/semi-hardwood-propagation.htm
Small area at moment, just on branches. No spots on leaves.
It looks like a type of lichen, which is harmless. It doesn't need to be removed. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/usnea-lichen-information.htm
Hello, I bought (5) 30g Nellie Steven’s from a nursery. They were in containers. Had them planted and within a week the leaves started to brown and fall off in some spots. Should I be concerned? They are on a slope and get decent drainage though the soil is much like clay. I have been watering them enough. They were expensive so I just want to make sure they aren’t dying.
It's not uncommon for newly transplanted trees to experience some stress, especially if they were recently planted and are adjusting to their new environment. Browning and dropping leaves can be a sign of transplant shock, which is a temporary condition that occurs when a plant's roots are disturbed during transplanting. To help your Nellie Stevens holly trees recover, there are several steps you can take. First, ensure that your trees are receiving adequate water, especially during the establishment period after transplanting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as clay soil can retain water. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the trees can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Additionally, good drainage is essential, so consider amending the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage if needed. Keep a close eye on your trees and monitor their condition regularly. While some leaf browning and dropping may occur initially, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it could indicate underlying issues such as overwatering, underwatering, or root problems. Finally, be patient and give your trees some time to acclimate to their new environment. If you're concerned about the health of your trees, consider reaching out to the nursery where you purchased them or consulting with a local arborist for further guidance and assistance. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific growing conditions and help ensure the long-term health and vitality of your trees
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/nellie-stevens-holly-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
I have newly planted holly bushes that were planted last fall and some sources say to trim lower branches and others say to leave them alone.
Regular pruning will keep your shrub compact and full. However, it is not necessary to prune lower branches of English holly. Here is how to prune: