Male Holley Tree

[MrsWage]

My home has a large male species holley tree which has been improperly pruned over the years (tree is 30+ years in age).* After years of having improper pruning done i tackled it myself in order to get the proper shape again (christmas tree shape).* The limbs close to trunk are somewhat bare while the rest of tree continues to grow too much.* HELP!!!!*** It is now too tall, and continues to produce new leaves and flowers.* Is it possible at this stage to make it a small tree once again without killing the tree.* It was originally planted too close to front porch and i do not want to remove it due to roots under the foundation of house and i do like the privacy it provides.* Also it pollinates the famale holley tree in my neighbors yard.* I would greatly appreciate*help*you can provide.* **Thank you so much, Mrs.Wage****************************************** ************************************************** ****************

[Newt]

Hi Mrs. Wage,

Sorry to hear this, but it sounds like it's time for your holly tree to go to holly tree heaven.* If you top the tree you will make it ugly and unstable.
http://www.plantamnesty.org/stoptopp...toptopping.htm

If the tree is too big for the space there comes a time when pruning is no longer effective.* It's sad but true.* You might want to have a certified arborist come and look at it.* Maybe your neighbor can plant a male on her property.

Newt