Understanding Winter Injury on Hollies: Causes and Prevention

Winter injury on hollies occurs when frozen soil prevents root water uptake while cold winds strip moisture from leaves through open stomata. Leaf cells freeze and rupture. Warm spells followed by deep freezes (like December 2006-January 2007) are especially damaging—plants lose cold hardiness during warmth, then get hammered.

Symptoms: brown, curled leaves that may persist or drop. Branches often survive if cambium is green.

Prevention: 1) Water deeply until ground freezes. 2) Apply anti-desiccant (Wilt-Pruf) in late November and February. 3) Erect burlap wind screens on windward sides. 4) Mulch 3-4 inches. 5) Fall fertilize (low nitrogen) to harden tissue. 6) Site hollies out of prevailing winter winds.

Recovery: spring fertilize, water, wait. Most hollies releaf fully.