Pruning holly

I've got a mature holly tree in my garden which has developed into a vaguely lollipop shaped tree with a 8" diameter trunk branching at about 5'. Its then got a rather unattractive tangle of branches rising to about 15'. It's had haphazard pruning over the years but the top is now out of my reach to prune easily. I'm about to cut out one of its main stems to use as a Christmas tree but am considering what to do with the rest of it. It's on the N side of the garden so shade is not too much of a problem but the ground underneath is bone dry.

What would happen if I removed most of the top growth leaving just the trunk and the stumps of branches? Would it regrow, how quickly,and would it just make a tangle of growth again? Should I cut it down much nearer the ground and make a shrub of it again?

 

That is one shrub/tree I would not have in my garden.

 

As I understand it, Spring is the time to actually prune holly.

I'm sure someone will be along to give you some proper advice, but (since my holly is quite small and gets it's 'prune' at Christmas), I think - having taken the branch you want to use as your 'tree' - you'll get a better idea of the 'tangle' that's left. I'd start by identifying the worst areas and, if you can take out some more branches without ruining the overall appearance, then I'd start by doing that. From what's left, I'd begin by shortening the longest branches then trim around the outside to create the basic shape you want.

As with pruning most things, if you trim the ends, new growth will sprout - if you cut out branches they're gone .... pretty much for ever.

 

Why ?


Jack McH

 

I quite like it, except it's a male and doesn't have berries. It provides good nesting cover - it had a family of pigeons raised in it last spring. Is the nest likely to be reused as it is sure to get damaged or exposed if I go for a major hack?

 

I think pigeons do sometimes return to old nests because they are lazy birds and can't be bothered to build anew. I wouldn't worry about removing the nest as they tend to be built in a 'ramshackle' way by the birds and tend to fall apart anyway. I wouldn't rear my young in one!

 

No wonder they picked my garden!