Standard Holly Tree pruning advice please.

[7610]

I have a specimen verigated holly tree, have conflicting pruning advice. When to do it?

[bolthole]

I have a specimen variegated holly tree, have conflicting pruning advice. When to do it?

 

Hello!

 

Have a look at the RHS website - there's a wealth of useful information here.

 

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=549#section-2 - this page should apply to you. It shouldn't matter that it's variegated.

 

If the size of the tree means you'll be able to do it yourself then this should be helpful.

 

Note that the RHS say that no routine pruning is necessary, so unless you have a specific reason you don't need to do it. Be aware that, if you decide to keep it a certain size or shape (topiary style) you'll need to keep doing this every year and it will get bigger very gradually.

 

Strictly speaking you should also avoid pruning during the bird nesting season.

 

Hope that helps.

[7610]

Nice one, it's in our garden and needs shaping. I avoid bird nesting season too. Cheers.