How to Cut Back Holly to Six Inches From the Ground

Holly bushes come in many varieties but all are evergreens that keep their foliage year-round. The leaves are various shades of green and some have sharp points at the ends. Holly bushes also produce characteristic red berries in the fall and winter, which provide food for wildlife and create landscape interest. As hollies age, they develop sparse areas and grow quite large. To rejuvenate the bushes, cut them back to approximately 6 inches above the ground in late summer, fall or winter.

Tape measure
Knife or gardening tape
Pruning shears or loppers
Rake
Long-sleeve shirt and pants
Garden gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Place a tape measure or ruler on the ground at the base of the holly and measure up 6 inches. Mark the location using a piece of gardening tape or by cutting a score mark in the bark with a knife.
- 2
  Open the shears or loppers and place them around the marked stem to cut it off and squeeze to make a cut. Repeat the process to cut all of the remaining holly stems back to the same height. The final result is that most of the foliage is gone and the shrub looks like vertical sticks.
- 3
  Rake up the holly clippings around the base of the shrub and compost them or use them for decorating inside the home.

Tall Shrubs for Courtyards

How to Care for Nandina Shrubs

Shrubs