Holly Trees

Privacy, Berries & Year-Round Greenery - Holly Trees!

Holly are iconic broadleaf evergreens! Celebrated for their glossy foliage, vibrant berries, and versatile landscaping appeal. While sometimes confused with Holly shrubs, Holly trees boast distinct size characteristics that set them apart.

Unlike the compact, bushy growth habit of shrubs, Holly trees typically grow taller, with a well-defined trunk and an upright, tree-like form, making them an excellent choice for adding height, structure, and year-round interest to gardens.

Popular Holly Tree Varieties

Nature Hills Nursery offers an impressive selection of Holly trees, each with unique attributes suited to different landscaping needs. Here are a few standout varieties:

• American Holly (Ilex opaca): This classic Holly tree features dark green leaves
  
  and bright red berries, providing a distinct wintertime aesthetic. It can reach heights of 40-50 feet, making it a stately addition to large landscapes.
• Nellie Stevens Holly: A fast-growing hybrid, Nellie Stevens Holly is prized for its dense, pyramidal shape and abundant red berries. It’s ideal for privacy screens or as a striking standalone specimen.
• Oak Leaf Holly: This compact, pyramidal tree is perfect for smaller spaces, growing up to 15 feet tall. Its unique, oak-shaped leaves and red berries make it a distinctive focal point.
• Sky Pencil Holly: With its slender, columnar form, Sky Pencil Holly is perfect for narrow spaces or as a vertical accent in garden beds and containers. It’s an excellent small-footprint choice for contemporary landscapes.

The spiny foliage on many forms of Holly makes them low on deer nibble lists, and many Holly are natives and native cultivars that adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions!

Landscape Uses for Holly Trees

Holly trees offer incredible versatility in the landscape. Their dense foliage makes them perfect for:

• Privacy Screens: Use tall varieties like Nellie Stevens Holly to create a natural,
  
   evergreen barrier, hide an eye-sore, or screen in private backyard areas.
• Ornamental Focal Points: Showcase a single Holly tree as a centerpiece in a garden bed or lawn.
• Wildlife Habitat: Holly trees provide food and shelter for birds, especially in winter when berries are a vital resource.
• Year-Round Interest: From the glossy leaves, full form, and 4-season greenery. Plus Holly has small white spring flowers for pollinators and Holly with a pollinator partner develops colorful red to orange berries for crafts, decor, and winter color.
• Formal Hedges: Prune Hollies into clean lines for a structured, formal look.
• Defensive Barriers: Holly has spiny foliage that lasts throughout the year, and will make deer and wayward foot traffic think twice about crossing property lines, and straying off the path.
• Property Division: Create clean, low-maintenance hedges that define your yard boundaries, separate your property from the neighbors, or make a clear boundary that divides your front yard from a busy sidewalk or street.

Caring for Holly Trees

Browse only for Holly trees that are best for your Planting Zone using our USDA zone filters, choose sun exposure levels, then narrow the options by size, and more! Get your new trees off on the right foot with Nature Hills Root Booster! Proper care ensures your Holly tree thrives for years. Follow these guidelines:

Proper care ensures your easy-to-grow Holly tree thrives. Follow these guidelines:

• Planting: Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball to encourage healthy root growth.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year of establishment. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering. Use the Finger Test to help know when to water next.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth and berry production.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

Transform Your Landscape with Holly Trees

Whether you’re seeking a privacy screen, a wildlife-friendly addition, or a striking ornamental tree, Holly trees are a versatile and low-maintenance option.

Explore the diverse range of holly trees available at Nature Hills Nursery and find the perfect fit for your garden. Plant a Holly tree today and enjoy its beauty and benefits for generations to come!

Holly Tree FAQs

Are Holly trees deer-resistant?

Yes, Holly trees are generally deer-resistant due to their spiny leaves, which deter browsing. However, during severe winters, deer may still nibble on them if food sources are scarce.

Do Holly trees require a male and female plant to produce berries?

Yes, most Holly tree varieties are dioecious, meaning you need both a male and female plant nearby for berry production. Be sure to check the specific variety’s pollination requirements.

Can Holly trees be grown in containers?

Yes, compact varieties like Sky Pencil Holly are excellent choices for container gardening. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.

What are the best soil conditions for growing Holly trees?

Holly trees thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.

How do I encourage dense growth in my Holly tree?

To promote dense growth, prune your Holly tree in early spring before new growth begins. Regularly remove any dead or weak branches and fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support lush growth.

How do I protect Holly trees from winter burn?

Winter burn can occur in areas with harsh winters. To protect your Holly tree, ensure it is well-watered before the ground freezes, and consider using burlap to shield it from strong winds.

Can Holly trees tolerate full sun and extreme heat?

While Holly trees prefer partial shade, many varieties, such as Nellie Stevens Holly, can tolerate full sun and heat as long as they receive adequate water during dry periods.

Why Order Holly From NatureHills.com?

Family-owned and operated since 2001, Nature Hills Nursery prides itself on meeting the needs of customers with an ever-growing collection of online plants backed by our product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™.

All of our broadleaf evergreens are delivered safely to your home with instructions for planting, care, and maintenance, so you can order knowing you'll have exactly what you need! Plus, we have plenty more information in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog for extra support and inspiration!

Call now at (402) 934-8116 and learn more about what Hollies are available for your landscape!