Help with my Holly Tree/Bush

[itguy12]

Hello all!

Please take a look at my holly tree at the following two links:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/uap3ra9hcyowfvj/IMG_9649.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1jgifhqio5umpls/IMG_9650.JPG?dl=0

I've not been very diligent with trimming this tree/bush (mostly because I don't have the equipment to get this high). What would you recommend I do at this point? Trim this all the way back to the trunk and start over (is that even an option?)? Rip it out and plant something else? Trim the top back a few feet?

My goal is to have this tree/bush manageable with the equipment I have now, which is a standard hedge trimmer.

Thoughts?

Thank you!!!

 

[Chuck]

It is the wrong kind of tree for the area. It will only get bigger. If you top the tree it won't look worth a damn. If you cut back to the trunk it will come back with a vengeance and not its natural shape. Replace it with a species/variety that is appropriate for the area. One thing for sure is that it will surely damage your house as it is now. Talk to an arborist and see if it can be moved. Holys are very nice trees to have in the landscape. Your's is just too close to your home.