Holly – Determination To Remove

Q: I want to get rid of some large holly bushes. I previously had some pulled out of the ground with a chain and a big truck. Someone said it would be easier to cut the remaining one down completely and put Roundup on the roots. Do you think this is effective?

A: As many have discovered, holly has a will to live that conquers most herbicides. Glyphosate (Roundup) is slowly absorbed by holly leaves and it doesn’t travel far from the point of application. I’ve applied glyphosate to a Chinese holly in my landscape twice a year for two years yet it still persists. I think you’ll discover root sprouts for a couple of years after using either method. However, if you are persistent about removing the sprouts, the holly will gradually starve and disappear.