Add Visual Interest with Holly Evergreen Trees

When many people think of evergreen trees, the first thing that comes to mind is pine trees. Evergreen trees are not restricted to just these types of trees, however. In fact, there are a number of other trees that fall into this category as well. One type of evergreen tree that can add color to the winter landscape is the broad-leafed Holly.

Holly trees have strikingly dark leaves that stand out keenly against the snowy landscape that most in the UK and the US experience each winter. In addition, they bear bright red berries that make them even more spectacular to during otherwise drab winter months. They also provide food to a number of birds, including bobwhites, cedar waxwings, goldfinches, mourning doves, and wild turkeys.

There are a number of different Holly varieties for a gardener to select from. Some of these varieties can grow rather tall, with some reaching up to 30 feet in height. In addition, some spread out quite a distance, with some varieties having a spread of anywhere from eight to twenty feet. For this reason, care must be taken when selecting a location for a Holly. For those looking for a natural fence to block off an area, a Holly can be a good choice of evergreen tree.

Although Hollies can grow to such massive sizes, it is possible to prune them back. Not only will this help to control the size of the Holly, it will also provide it with a more attractive shape.

In order for the female Holly to bear berries, landscapers need to be sure to plant both female and male varieties. The males must be somewhere between 30 and 40 feet away from the females in order to make this happen. In addition, Hollies do best when planted in acidic soil.