Do Holly Trees Need Sunlight?

Sunlight

Regardless of variety, hollies require full sun for best growth. The plants tolerate partial shade. Hollies are not adapted to areas of shade or those that receive no sun. Partial shade refers to some direct sun on the plants for at least some portion of the day. Even if the plants in partial shade are not exposed to direct sun all day, the areas remain bright throughout the day. Hollies growing in full sun produce a more compact growth and more berries.

Plant hollies in a well-drained, fertile, moist, acidic soil. The plants do not thrive in excessively moist soils. Amend the soil with organic material before planting and apply a several inch-deep layer of mulch, as this helps conserve soil moisture. Fertilize the plants with an acid-based fertilizer during late fall and add a compost layer around root zone. This helps the plant get a good start in spring.

Holly trees suffer from chlorosis or yellowing foliage in high soil pH. Chlorosis is also common in plants that are deficient in nitrogen. Applying a 10-5-5 fertilizer helps this problem. The trees are also prone to wind and dry-weather damage when planted in exposed areas. Drying is especially damaging to younger trees.

Common holly tree pests include bud moths, scales, red mites and foliage-feeding insects like leaf miners. The pests are not severely damaging but are still best controlled in the early stages of infestation. Spray the affected tree with insecticidal soap. Do not spray the trees on a routine basis in the absence of insects, suggests the University of Rhode Island Extension.