American Holly
Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
by Dennis Sons
tn nursery
With the Christmas season right around the corner it is that time of year when thoughts turn to beautiful colors of red and green. The American Holly tree is rich in cultural value due in large part to its foliage. The red berries produced by the flowers on the tree are symbolic of the Christmas color of red. Various uses can be attributed to the tree including utilizing the bark for cabinetry and the red berries as an accent color in Christmas holly wreaths.
At the base of this Evergreen tree stands gray colored bark that is thin yet sturdy enough to create kitchen cabinets from. Fruit bearing flowers are either dominantly male or female with the female flowered trees requiring a male presence nearby in order to produce berries. It maintains a slow growth process that averages 40' to 50' feet in a one year period. Ideal habitats that promote healthy and productive growth of berries can be found in the North to South region of the country starting with Delaware and extending down into Florida.
Although the leaves of the American Holly are visually appealing, they pose a potential threat to the health and well being of the tree. Insects are attracted to the thickness of the leaves and the possible food source that can be found there. Several insects pose the biggest threat to the tree including the southern red mite, native holly leaf miner and holly midge. Southern red mites enjoy feasting on the richness of the leaves resulting in stunned leaf growth and unsightly leaf coloring. Leaf mines promote premature leaf dropping and the holly midge snacks on the berries before they are ripe causing the berries to remain green instead of the rich red coloring. Establishing a routine visual inspection schedule can help prevent these and other insects from damaging the leaves.
Insects are not the only threat to the American Holly tree. Several breeds of birds including songbirds, mourning doves and robins enjoy snacking on the lush red berries. This vibrant color is also what attracts the attention of animals such as deer, squirrels and the occasional cow to come snack as well. One of the best ways to prevent a snack attack by animals and birds is to plant a tree in high traffic areas. This includes front yard areas that are frequented by people or along a driveway. The perpetual activity in these areas will deter animals and birds from helping themselves to a snack.
Several factors should be taken into consideration when the planting process begins. This tree requires rich acidic soil where the base can be deeply planted into the ground. Applications of fertilizer obtained at a local Nursery call for scooping out 2"-3" inches of soil at the base, sprinkling the fertilizer and replacing the soil. Repeat this process as often as needed until the entire base of the tree has been fertilized. Water supply should be readily available and have adequate drainage to prevent the bark from rotting out due to pooling water. Direct sun exposure with the occasional shade is recommended as is avoiding areas of direct wind exposure. Add to this a routine maintenance program and the American Holly tree will continue to add visual appeal to a landscape for years to come.
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