Holm Oak Pleached Tree (Quercus Ilex)

Holm Oak Pleached Tree Description

The holm oak pleached tree is a distinguished and versatile ornamental tree, celebrated for its robust structure and lush evergreen foliage. When trained into a pleached form, it displays a formal, structured appearance with branches elegantly woven together, making it an ideal choice for creating visually striking hedges and privacy screens. The holm oak features dark green, leathery leaves that provide year-round interest, maintaining a vibrant presence in gardens throughout the seasons.

In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers that may not be particularly showy but are significant for attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees. Following flowering, the holm oak develops small acorns that serve as a food source for local wildlife, enhancing its ecological value.

Pruning Advice

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health, shape, and structure of the pleached holm oak. Here are some key points to consider:

Timing: The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This encourages fresh foliage and helps maintain the tree's shape.

Method: Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease. For pleached trees, it’s important to carefully trim lateral shoots to maintain the desired form and encourage a dense, bushy appearance. Aim to preserve the pleached structure while ensuring that the tree remains balanced and healthy.

Annual Maintenance: Regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests or diseases and adjust your pruning schedule as necessary. Light trimming after flowering can help maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.

Further Information

Privacy and Screening: The dense foliage of the holm oak makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or hedges. Its height and thickness provide effective shelter from wind and unwanted views, making outdoor spaces feel more intimate.

Year-Round Interest: As an evergreen tree, the holm oak retains its attractive foliage throughout the year, ensuring a lush and vibrant landscape even in the winter months. The presence of acorns in autumn adds seasonal interest.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, the holm oak is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for gardens in drier climates or areas prone to water shortages. This resilience reduces the need for frequent watering.

Wildlife Friendly: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators, while the acorns provide a food source for birds and mammals, contributing positively to local biodiversity.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.