Christmas and the Holly Tree (Ilex aquifolium)
This is the second in our series of blogs, looking at different types of trees we encounter during our work and some of the issues we are faced with.
In keeping with a Christmas theme for the time of year that is in it, in this post we will look the Holly tree, its characteristics and its association with Christmas.
As a small tree or shrub the Holly grows slowly typically reaching a maximum height in the Irish climate of 30 to 40 feet 
(9-12 meters). The ease with which Holly can be kept trimmed renders it valuable as a hedge plant and forms hedges of great thickness and impenetrability. The Holly tree will grow in almost any soil provided it is not too wet, but gains its best results when planted in rich, sandy or gravely soil with good drainage and a moderate amount of moisture at the roots.
It is rarely affected even by the most severe of winters, during which time birds love to feed on its berries. Seeds are propagated by birds during flight and take about two years to germinate. The Holly has been traditionally connected to Christmas and festivals associated with it for centuries. Like Christmas songs and trees, its origins can be traced back to Northern Europe and was actually first celebrated as a plant of great importance by the Pagans. Its leaves are green with slightly jagged edges, which may have been part of the reason that the druids used it as a ceremonial head wear when they went into the forest.
Its association with Christmas and Christianity originates from the prickly leaves which represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns.
If you have any questions about how to take care of a holly tree, or any trees or shrubs for that matter, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to answer your query. You will find our contact details here
And don’t forget, for any treecare issues you might have, from tree repairs, crowning and height reduction to stocking up on firewood for the winter months, please call us today on 086 1753761