How to Trim Your Holly

Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches any time of year, but especially after the winter. Cut back small branches with pruning shears and large diameter branches with loppers all the way back to healthy wood.

Prune to shape holly during early spring before new growth begins. Pruning causes new growth and drastic pruning during winter causes damage, since this is the time the plant should be dormant.

Remove any branches that cross each other. Cut back one of the branches to a branch union, or where there is a "V" shape. This allows for better air circulation and prevents disease. It thins out the center of the plant and makes it look neat and tidy.

Cut branches to shape the plant by snipping off the ends of branches up to a leaf node, or where a leaf grows on the branch. Cut at an angle, with the lower end toward the inside of the plant to hide the cut.

Cut branches from American holly in the winter to decorate the house for the holidays. Taking a few branches will not hurt the plant.