
Holly trees can be beautiful additions to the landscape, especially during the winter months when their glossy green leaves and bright red berries provide color and shelter for wildlife. But when a holly tree grows too large, starts shading out your garden, or becomes a maintenance headache, removal might be the only solution. Getting rid of a large holly tree isn’t as simple as chopping it down—it requires planning, the right tools, and a strategy to prevent regrowth.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of removing a large holly tree safely and effectively.
Why Remove a Holly Tree?
Before diving into the removal process, it’s worth asking why holly trees can become problematic. Mature hollies:
- Can grow over 40 feet tall, casting deep shade on lawns and garden beds.
- Produce spiny leaves that make cleanup difficult and unpleasant.
- Drop berries that stain patios and encourage unwanted seedlings.
- Have aggressive root systems that send up suckers, even after cutting.
If your holly tree is overwhelming the space or creating hazards, removal may be the best choice.
Step 1: Assess Safety and Plan Ahead
Removing a large tree always comes with risks. Take these safety steps before you begin:
- Size matters: If your holly tree is taller than 15–20 feet, especially if it’s near a house, fence, or power lines, it’s safest to hire a professional arborist. Attempting it on your own can be dangerous.
- Gear up: At minimum, you’ll need heavy-duty gloves, safety goggles, a hard hat, and sturdy boots. Holly leaves are sharp, and sawdust or falling branches can cause injuries.
- Clear the area: Remove anything that could be damaged, like garden furniture, potted plants, or vehicles.

Step 2: Cut the Tree Down
Once the area is secure, you can begin taking the tree down in sections.
- Trim branches first – Use loppers or a pruning saw to remove smaller limbs. Work your way around the tree, starting from the bottom and moving upward. This reduces weight and makes the trunk easier to handle.
- Tackle larger limbs – For branches thicker than a few inches, use a chainsaw. Always cut in manageable sections rather than trying to bring down huge limbs in one go.
- Cut the trunk in pieces – Once branches are cleared, start cutting the trunk from the top down if possible. If not, make a felling cut near the base, but only if you have space to safely drop the whole tree.
Tip: Always stand to the side of the chainsaw and avoid cutting directly above your head.
Step 3: Deal With the Stump
Holly trees are known for sprouting back from stumps and roots. If you stop at cutting the trunk, you’ll almost certainly see new shoots within weeks. Here are your options for permanent removal:
- Digging Out: This is the most labor-intensive method but also the most effective for smaller stumps. Use a shovel, mattock, and axe to expose and cut the roots. Keep working around the stump until it can be levered out.
- Grinding: Renting a stump grinder is a faster solution, especially for large stumps. The grinder will chew the wood down below ground level, preventing most regrowth.
- Chemical Removal: Drill deep holes into the stump and fill them with a stump-removing chemical, often based on potassium nitrate. Over time, the wood softens and decays, making it easier to break apart. This process can take several months.
Step 4: Prevent Regrowth
Even after removing the stump, holly roots can try to send up suckers. To prevent this:
- Apply a systemic herbicide (such as glyphosate or triclopyr) directly onto freshly cut wood. This allows the chemical to travel down into the root system.
- Keep an eye out for any shoots appearing nearby and cut them back promptly. Persistence is key—after a season or two, the roots usually stop trying.
Step 5: Dispose of Holly Safely
Holly branches and leaves don’t break down quickly in compost, and their spines make handling unpleasant. Depending on your local waste services, you may have a few disposal options:
- Chipping: Rent or hire a chipper to turn branches into mulch. Just be cautious—holly chips are best used on paths or beds where you won’t be digging often.
- Green waste collection: Many municipalities offer curbside pickup for tree debris. Check size limits before hauling everything to the curb.
- Hauling to a yard waste facility: If you have access to a truck or trailer, this may be the most efficient solution for large amounts of material.
When to Call a Professional
While some homeowners can manage smaller hollies, a large holly tree is a serious project. If any of these apply, it’s best to bring in a tree service:
- The tree is taller than your home.
- It’s growing close to power lines.
- You don’t have the right equipment (like chainsaws or safety gear).
- You’re not confident working at height.
Hiring a professional may cost more up front, but it reduces risk and ensures the job is done completely. If you’re looking for reliable experts, consider AJ Logging tree removal for safe and efficient service.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of a large holly tree isn’t a weekend project—it requires planning, the right tools, and persistence to stop regrowth. Whether you choose to dig, grind, or use chemicals, the key is making sure the roots can’t bounce back. If the job feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call in an arborist. In the end, removing the holly will give you back your space and save you the ongoing frustration of battling unwanted shoots.