When to cut back this evergreen shrub (pic)

atl_sod

8 years ago

Can someone tell me when I can cut back these evergreen shrubs? I am in the Atlanta area.

The shrubs currently stand 4-5 feet tall and I want them about half that height.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (5)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
About two years ago!

Look like they are Ilex 'Dwarf Burford', or maybe 'Needlepoint'. Generally you cut these back about 3 to 4 inches each year if you want them small. In other words, a little every year.

I would have done drastic cuttings back in February-March. Not sure if they'll put out a lot of new growth now if you cut them back, however it's likely, since you have a long growing season in Atlanta, and these are fairly hardy plants.

Hopefully someone with more drastic-pruning experience will chime in.
atl_sod thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
Embothrium
8 years ago
Main problem with taking off outer shell will be burning up of older leaves due to sudden increase in sun exposure. However, if you were to cut them down all the way to bare stems there would be no leaves to get burned. And they will still grow back - done now they will have the whole summer to make some replacement growth.
atl_sod thanked Embothrium
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atl_sod
Original Author
8 years ago
So basically I can cut back now or in the early spring. I think I will wait till next spring and cut them back. This will give them the entire season to establish new growth.
Embothrium
8 years ago
Sounds like a plan.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
Does your holly have leaf spot (tar spot)?

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When to cut back this evergreen shrub (pic)

Comments (5)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

Embothrium

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When to cut back this evergreen shrub (pic)

Comments (5)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

Embothrium

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atl_sodOriginal Author

Embothrium

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

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atl_sod
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