Tall Weeping Holly Trees

Size and Shape

• The weeping yaupon holly tree can grow up to 30 feet high, though most trees are between 15 and 20 feet high. Its distinctively irregular, weeping shape includes a crooked trunk and thin, curved branches. The tree's spread is between 6 and 12 feet. Its size lends itself as a privacy screen in landscaping projects, though it is also used as a corner tree up against tall, blank house and commercial building walls.

Foliage

• The weeping yaupon holly's foliage appears on branches as small, oval, gray-green leaves. Leaf arrangement is alternate. Foliage is less than 2 inches long and is evergreen. Flowers appear in the spring. They're white, and they're followed by brilliant red berries in the fall and winter. Berries are round and less than 1/2 inch long.The berries attract assorted bird species.

Care

• Care of the weeping yaupon holly is simple, as it is a hardy tree that does well in many types of soil and climates. It thrives in Western and Southern climates, but you can transplant it almost anywhere and it will do well. Plant the tree in partial or full sunlight. Young trees require weekly waterings or more frequent waterings depending on climate, as it is essential that the soil does not become too dry, which will prevent the tree's root system from growing deeply. Use a general-purpose fertilizer in the early spring, which is also the proper time for pruning yaupon holly. Prune the tree once a year to maintain its shape. Wear gloves while pruning to avoid scratches from tree leaves.

Diseases/Pests

• No diseases are known to affect the weeping yaupon holly. Leaf miners and aphids are some of the garden pests attracted to the tree; however, they rarely become a problem. There are several different types of leaf miners, though they inflict the same type of damage on plants. Miners generally resemble black flies, and their larvae burrow into plant leaves, leaving yellowish, squiggly lines. Pick off infested leaves and use neem oil to repel them.

  Aphids are soft-bodied insects that come in a variety of colors ranging from light yellow to black. These sap-suckers piece holes in plants and suck their juices, which can result in the spread of viruses from plant to plant. Maintain weed populations, which aphids are attracted to, and pick insects off plants by hand. Hot pepper and garlic sprays may also control aphids.