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Inkberry hedge dying in one section. #751427
Asked May 22, 2021, 9:14 AM EDT
I have an inkberry hedge in the backyard. It’s about 12 years old. In the last couple of years a section of the hedge is having a problem. The growth is only at the top and is bare on the sides. I have planted smaller new plants to try to fill in, but they are not growing well either. I fertilize the hedge with Hollytone and ironite. Any ideas?
Alamance County North Carolina
Expert Response
This question was answered by Flora, Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteer
Thank you for your question.
This established inkberry hedge appears to be in need of some rejuvenation pruning. The top layers look healthy but the lower areas underneath have died off probably due to diminished air and light. Principles of pruning suggest cutting out dead and diseased stems first. Then cut about a third of the inside branches to the base of the plant or to an area of new growth. Do this for three consecutive years in the spring. Shape the plant so it is wider at the base than the top.
In the University of Maryland link below there is a video about pruning boxwood. A small-leafed holly can be treated the same way.
I hope this information has been helpful.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
https://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/factsheets/329prshr.shtml
NC Cooperative Extension
Durham County Center
Master Gardener Office
721 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
<personal data hidden>
This question was answered by Flora, Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteer
Thank you for your question.
This established inkberry hedge appears to be in need of some rejuvenation pruning. The top layers look healthy but the lower areas underneath have died off probably due to diminished air and light. Principles of pruning suggest cutting out dead and diseased stems first. Then cut about a third of the inside branches to the base of the plant or to an area of new growth. Do this for three consecutive years in the spring. Shape the plant so it is wider at the base than the top.
In the University of Maryland link below there is a video about pruning boxwood. A small-leafed holly can be treated the same way.
I hope this information has been helpful.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
https://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/factsheets/329prshr.shtml
NC Cooperative Extension
Durham County Center
Master Gardener Office
721 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
<personal data hidden>
Flora,Thank you so much for all of this information. A picture is worth a thousand words so seeing the video helps so much.I appreciate your time.Thank You,J. Caldwell
Judith ~ glad to be of help
NC Cooperative Extension
Durham County Center
Master Gardener Office
721 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
<personal data hidden>
