How To Prune Large Holly Bush

Question From: Dartmouth, NS, Canada
Q: I have a large holly now near 10 feet in hight and with a spread of at least 5 feet it is a male and female planted together and is a beautifuil bush or tree - but I need to reduce its size or keep it as is also I would like to clear the lower branches to keep the ground clear beneath the bush - what do you suggest

A: Sharpen up your loppers and go at it. Just remember if you cut so deep you remove all the leaves on a branch they will not regenerate. Removing lower limbs will not hurt the shrubs.