Probably over pruned my holly

[Unfortunate Fool]

Hi,

 

I have a holly (right) which has recently been stifled by another tree (left). The effects were/are the holly has struggled while the other has flourished.  I resolved to thin out the other tree to help the holly recover, especially as most of the lower branches only had leaves at the end of the branch, and once trimmed, only a bare, leafless branch remained, making it look a little spindly. However, I suspect I've gone a little too far with the holly so I would appreciate any advice. 

 

I read I shouldn't have trimmed off the lower branches which worries me, but then I also read that hollies are quite resilient and it should re-shoot.

 

Give me to straight.

 

Thanks!

 

UF.

 

[Stere]

It will be fine no need to worry.

 

 

[GarethM]

Personally I'd prune them both to ground level, being 3 ft to the wall and 6 ft from the house will not be good in the long term.

 

Maybe a hedge or a few shrubs but not holly.

Something that's easy to remove if it gets large without a root system that'll undermine the house or the footpath.

[Unfortunate Fool]

Thanks both. Will it re-shoot from the bottom and if so, what sort of time period?

 

Give me to straight.

 

Thanks!

 

UF.

[sime42]

The Holly will reshoot from the bottom if exposed to enough light. I've cut them down to ground level before now and they've sprung up with a load of new growth after a few months. That was in the open, in full sunlight though. As it is with yours there I'm not so sure, it's still in the shadow of the other tree at the base, (Willow maybe?).

 

Time period? I'm not too sure exactly but within six months I'd guess.

[Unfortunate Fool]

That's great, thanks!

 

I've included another picture of of the trees from the other side to give some idea of how the holly (left) is being overshadowed (right).

 

 

Thanks!

 

UF.

[Unfortunate Fool]

I don't know what the other tree is (a hazel perhaps), but it is quite large and dominating.

 

 

Thanks!

 

UF.

[Stere]

Elder flower i think...

[sime42]

Yes, I'm pretty sure you're right, it's an Elder Tree, not Willow at all. @Unfortunate Fool - crush and then smell the leaves, if they stink that will confirm it!

 

Interestingly, I read recently that they prohibit the growth of other trees around them, (hence not popular as hedge trees traditionally). That might be another reason why the Holly was not happy. Makes more sense actually as they often grow as understory trees, overshadowed by larger trees in woodland.

 

 

[Unfortunate Fool]

4 hours ago, sime42 said:

Yes, I'm pretty sure you're right, it's an Elder Tree, not Willow at all. @Unfortunate Fool - crush and then smell the leaves, if they stink that will confirm it!

 

Interestingly, I read recently that they prohibit the growth of other trees around them, (hence not popular as hedge trees traditionally). That might be another reason why the Holly was not happy. Makes more sense actually as they often grow as understory trees, overshadowed by larger trees in woodland.

 

 

I'd be interested in reading that piece if you are happy to share it?

 

Thanks!

 

UF.

[sime42]

It was an actual book! Here you go.