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I should have got a photo, but my very mature Holly Tree looks really sad,
it has not got many berries on it and has even less leaves,
was wondering if this is 'normal' I cannot find any other hollies to compare it with.

Hi Widgetwilk.  It doesn't sound normal to me.  Holly is an evergreen so whilst it will shed a few old leaves it shouldn't be in the condition you describe.  Is there any sign of disease? 

G x

Will take a closer look in morning and take photo

Does not look to bad in photos, but it is no where like it was last year, wonder if a good pruning would do any good, if so
when and what to cut.

It may have suffered drought WW. It does seem close to the building in the pic, I know by its size its been there for a few years. But we have had some very dry weather (well here in the midlands anyway)

Its just a thought, someone else may have a clue about pests or diseases of Hollies.

Its a shame, they are lovely trees

I also thought of drought, wonder if it will recover??

Normally if a plant is under drought stress, reducing the top growth then feeding and watering could help in spring
. Trouble is, now its winter around the corner it may get very wet (then again its winter droughts we have been suffering) Its still not the right time to feed though.

Try soaking it, unless you have rain forcast in your area. But giving it more water wont hurt as its close to the building.

Maybe hang on for some other input as well, I'd hate to be wrong and make you kill your tree. :-\

I was thinking it could do with a re-shape in the spring,
will give it a good soaking tomorrow and keep talking to it till spring.

Holly can get a bug in the leaves I think it is called Miner as in coal miner.

There is a spray for it.

It could perhaps be potassium deficiency, particularly if your soil is fairly light and sandy. Sulphate of potash would help with that.

Also, as you probably know, holly needs male and female plants in fairly close proximity. The female plants produce berries and they need a male plant close by for pollination and berry production. You haven't lost a male plant, I suppose?

Quote from: hopalong on October 27, 2008, 11:38:44
It could perhaps be potassium deficiency, particularly if your soil is fairly light and sandy. Sulphate of potash would help with that.

I should have said "in the spring".  That would be a good time to do some revival pruning too.

Thanks for all your advice, given me a lot to think about,
pruning in the spring looks a certainty,
as for losing a tree near-by, I don't know, don't think so, mine has a few berries on it but not a lot.

Will check on the 'bug' and see about the Sulphate of potash.

thanks again.