How Do You Plant A Holly Grove?
The American holly tree (Ilex opaca) is an understory tree growing 40 to 50 feet high in Zones 5-8. Its dense, glossy, spiky foliage and clusters of brilliant red berries on female trees provide winter protection and food for song birds, turkey and upland game birds. American holly is commonly used for midwinter holiday decorations, and provides a deep evergreen feature for the winter garden landscape. Plant holly in groves containing both male and female plants for maximum aesthetic and habitat impact. Prepare soil for good drainage the autumn before spring planting of your holly grove. Select a location in partial shade. Dig the soil with a shovel to loosen it, to a depth of 12 inches. Incorporate sand into the soil if necessary to improve the drainage. Place lumber or other raised-bed edging around the area to be planted and turn sand into the soil in sufficient quantities to bring the soil level up to the top of the raised-bed edging in particularly poorly-drained areas. Ensure tha
