So, you have decided to grow holly trees. That means you have located the right planting spot and have had the soil set in favorable conditions. Assuming all is in order, it always comes down to spacing. It’s fascinating.
Holly trees can be 12-inch shrubs or grow to a height of 50 feet. Spacing, therefore, dictates the life of holly trees and even the produce you get in the long run. As a gardener, you need to know how you will space a male holly tree from a female tree and a male from a male.
In general, if you are planting the small varieties of holly trees, you have to space them 5 feet apart. The larger varieties of holly trees need to be grown 25 feet apart. And, for every 6-10 females, you’ll need one male at least 50 feet apart. So that’s it. Before we head to other holly tree growth requirements, first, let’s go through why you need to space your holly trees.
How Far Apart to Plant Holly Trees?
Even when you have the best soils or have selected the best spot with abundant sunshine, you will have fewer yields if you decide not to space holly trees. You need to know that, like any other tree, holly trees need space to breathe, get nutrients, and spread freely.
If you are dealing with the small cultivar that spreads to about 12 inches, it would be best to grow them at an interval of at least 5 feet. The space is proportionate to the spreading dimensions and allows you a fair margin to work on the holly trees.
On the other hand, there are holly tree varieties that will grow up to 50 feet. You will need to separate them by 25 feet, which is enough to avoid the tree root from entangling. Lastly, holly trees do not self-pollinate. You need to have one male holly tree for ten female holly trees. Besides, the distance should be 50 feet in all directions.
What’s the essence of planting holly trees far apart?
Holly trees, depending on the variety, can grow to 50 feet. The height is relative to roots and even a canopy upon maturity. If not properly spaced, holly trees will be disadvantaged in the following ways;
Fight for nutrients
There is a limited number of nutrients in the soil. Once holly trees are stuck against each other, their roots will be in the same soil substrate. Besides fighting for soil nutrients, they will also fight for sunlight and end up choking each other. As a result, they will undergo less development.
Get infested
Once you plant holly trees close, there will be less air circulation. Consequently, the mildew formed causes decay of leaves and stems. And this sort of decay attracts bugs that spread out to infest the entire plantation.
How Far Apart to Plant Holly Trees: Wrapping up
Alright ladies and gentlemen, when planting holly trees, the biggest concern is far way past the soil or location. It’s all about how you are going to space the trees depending on the variety to be grown. If you have all you need in place, you should see the above to hint at the proper spacing.
Once your tree is established, you can cut your own holly for Christmas. And, fresh holly can be cut almost right after Thanksgiving. Good luck planting your holly!