Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Ilex- can I make them into ‘lolipops’

AccidentalGardenerAccidentalGardener Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We have 3 huge Holly Bush (Ilex) plants in our new garden. Would like to make them into standard (lollypop) , as they take half of our garden at the moment. They are all one-stemmed and v tall. Could I cut bottom branches, sides and tops at all? Will try to attach picture, taken from a second floor window. Don’t look at the rest of the garden- we haven’t even started yet or moved in for that matter. 
 The trees are very healthy, but simply too big. 
Or shall we just get rid of them and start from the beginning? Trees on the right (except, last Ilex) is not ours.
 Thank in advance.

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If the trunks are straight you could certainly take off all the lower branches to lift the crowns and make space underneath. How much you can cut back and shape what's left while still retaining green leaves will depend how far inside the trees there are leaves. They often have bare branches inside with all the leaves towards the outside, so check before you cut.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I would lift the crown on each tree but then trim the tops into a slimmed down version of their current flame shape, to look more natural and protect your privacy. A lollipop shape suits smaller potted shrubs and it can be difficult to make three look identical!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Holy Moly you’ve got a job on there ! Good luck with all your efforts . Yes you could cut them into lolly shape but personally I think they’re too tall for that and would look daft ( just my opinion) lift the low branches by all means and just trim the rest . That’s my humble advice to you .
Sign In or Register to comment.