Holly My Irish Holly..

Bob Skunkhouse · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Aug 2013 Posts: 14

G'day.

Is there anything I can do to encourage this tree to grow branches in around the middle. T'is a bit ungainly looking.

Cheers,
Bob.

frengers80 · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 10:19 am Post subject: holly tree

hi,if you just nip out the growing point it should encourage it to bush up!!

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 130

It's only young so give it time.

tippben · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:41 pm Post subject:

Yes, there is. Keep the grass where it is. Don't let it encroach. Water thoroughly ( two watering cans) 3 times a week if it hasn't rained significantly for a few days. Feed every two weeks April to September with a watering can full of seaweed feed. Do this for two years, Then leave it alone for three. THEN, cut it at the height you wish it to bush from. Trees generally grow from the the point where they are cut.

At the moment, it needs all the leaves it has to produce enough energy to establish a decent root system. Holly is slow growing, so it will take up to five years. Once it has done that, you can cut it hard, essentially pollarding it. Then feed it with a slow release balanced feed, and more seaweed. After that year, you can begin to shape it as you wish. Patience, young Jedi.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 11:22 pm Post subject:

I'd also be inclined to keep grass well away from the roots. It would do no harm to make a grass free circle three feet in diameter around the tree. Once roots get into that, the branches will soon spread. Cardboard covered with bark mulch will kill the grass; just keep the mulch away from the stem.