My approach would be quite different from flora's :-) Too often do I see or am called in to consult on homes with landscaping that has outgrown its size and placement or with plants that have suffered from too many years of neglect. These do nothing to enhance the property and attempting to rein these plants in or otherwise bring them back to a suitable size and/or pleasing shape is a very frustrating and time consuming exercise. And sometimes just simply doesn't work. Why put up with the ongoing incovenience of a misplaced, large growing shrub like the holly, when replacing it with something more suitable both in scale and appearance is an alternative? Chaotic, overgrown or neglected gardens are often best helped with the input of a professional landscape designer. A consultation or even a plan may be a very worthwhile investment to help you determine a) what everything is; b) if its health and size warrants retaining; c) if the location makes sense; and finally, d) if some other approach makes more sense altogether. Often, with a sound, well-developed plan in hand, the prospect is not so overwhelming and the activity can be easily prioritized to fit your time and budget. Too often we are lured into the belief that existing plants in a garden must remain in place or somehow be incorporated into our own, personal vision of the landscape. While I do not necessarily advocate a "clear cut" approach, removing everything and starting over from scratch, approaching this with a much more objective eye and with what you envision for the long term development of your garden may be a better thought than simply attempting to "control" what you currently have, which obviously is not working for you. A professional can certainly expedite this process.

Hello. We own a large farm with many different species of plants, trees & shrubs. A few years ago we were donated about 30 red tip photinias. And I've noticed some things very interesting that's told me a lot about this species. 20 of the ones we recieved were planted in full sun in well drained soil. And they look awful. About like yours or worse really. They have barely grown. And are clinging to life. The other 10 were planted in an area of about full shade in acidic well drained soil. They are almost completely shaded from the sun about 80% of each day. Then partial shade the rest of the day. The difference is amazing. These 10 are gorgeous, healthy, & have grown vigorously. Seem perfectly healthy and have shown zero signs of problems. It's amazing to see the difference between these growing in 2 different areas. Other than the shade & acidity. The composition of the soil is the same. We did this as a test because the planting instructions stated partial shade. And what a difference. I'd expected the others would do better than they have. But we're relocating the other 20 to this site to save their lives. I'll post an update of their progress. Because they're not going to make it in their current location. Fungus or Root rot does not seem to be a factor in our situation. Look at the pictures. These were both identical when planted 2 seasons ago. One group hasnt grown at all. And are almost dead. The other group has more than doubled in size. And are gorgeous. I hope this helps future planters. Thanks.

Two days later. Any more thoughts now? Watering system not a problem as far as emitters or pressure. Only difference in placement is that this one is on the point. No evidence of tunneling creatures. Good. 1 of the healthy plants in picture 3 above. Not so good. Same hurting plant as above in pictures 1 and 2. Needs more water????

It may grow past the damage. Or it may not. I personally would eat the fruit they produce--others may have a different opinion--but the badly damaged ones may not produce fruit or only produce a small amount, and it may be stunted. The brown spot on the tomato in the first picture looks like damage from rubbing against the cage. Such damage is no big deal unless a mold or something takes the opportunity to start rotting the fruit or it attracts the attention of a pest. EDIT: For future, maybe you can put your plants somewhere else on your property. If not, maybe you can talk to your neighbor and come to some kind of agreement or you can offer to pull his weeds by hand/hire a neighborhood kid to pull his weeds by hand or something, depending on what problem he's trying to solve.