Will it kill a Yaupon Holly?

Question

To pretty much "top" it?  

We had a bad ice storm in West Texas a couple of weeks ago, and my 15 ft. tall Yaupon was warped beyond recognition.  The ice bent it down to the ground, and it split the branches where they were bowed.

I would hate to have to replace it, but it is in my front bed, and it is nothing but ugly.  

If I take it down to the crotch, will it put out shoots which can be trained?  It's either that, or get rid of it.

flattrack75081 · Accepted Answer

You just had nature do a natural bonsai to your yaupon.

Cut off the break at a 45 degree angle away from the house.
Cut off all split material making sure the cut angle is in the direction you want the new growth to protrude. While you are at it, cut out about 50% of the over crowded limbs that should have been removed years ago. Do not allow any inter branches to cross.
Remove any downward growing branches.
Expect to spend about 2 hours on this project.
The tree will look almost naked when completed, but will blow out with growth this summer.
I have done this for years on my yaupon bonsai and full size trees.

Now go drink a beer and get creative.

pondlady · Answer

Your yaupon will take a long time to regrow even if it does recover.  Wait until the weather warms and try pruning it. Don't take it all the way back tho. There may be some regrowth possible from the split limbs after they recover.  If it is a specimen plant in your front planting,  you may want to replace it.

Will it kill a Yaupon Holly?

2 Answers