Eagleston Holly Growth Timeline - What to Expect Year by Year

Why Eagleston Holly Is a Houston Favorite

The Eagleston Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'Eagleston') is one of the most versatile and popular evergreen trees sold in the Greater Houston area. It works as a privacy screen, a specimen tree, or a foundation planting. It tolerates Houston's heat, humidity, and clay soil without complaint, and it produces attractive red berries in fall and winter.

At Bill Bownds Nursery, located at 2110 Cedar Lane, Katy, TX 77494, Eagleston Holly is consistently one of our best sellers. One of the most common questions we hear is: "How fast will it grow?" Here's a realistic, year-by-year timeline based on what we see in the Houston, Katy, and Richmond area.

At Planting: Setting the Stage

Most homeowners and landscapers start with a container-grown Eagleston Holly in a 15-gallon, 30-gallon, or 45-gallon pot. Here are typical starting sizes:

• 15-gallon container: 5-6 feet tall
• 30-gallon container: 7-8 feet tall
• 45-gallon container: 9-11 feet tall

The larger the starting size, the sooner you'll achieve the screening or shade effect you're looking for. However, smaller trees often establish their root systems faster and can catch up within a few years.

Year 1: Establishment

The first year is all about root development. During this period, your Eagleston Holly is putting most of its energy into growing roots into the surrounding soil rather than producing new top growth.

• Expected growth: 6-12 inches of new height
• What you'll see: New leaf growth in spring and early summer, but the tree may look like it's standing still for much of the year
• Critical care: Water deeply 2-3 times per week during the first summer. This is the single most important factor in establishment success.

Do not be alarmed if some interior leaves yellow and drop during the first year. This is normal transplant adjustment and not a sign of disease.

Year 2: Early Growth

By the second year, the root system is established and the tree begins to put on noticeable new growth. This is when most homeowners start to see real progress.

• Expected growth: 12-18 inches of new height
• What you'll see: Denser foliage, stronger branching, and a fuller silhouette
• Care notes: You can reduce watering to once or twice a week. Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for hollies or acid-loving plants in early spring.

Year 3: Hitting Stride

The third year is typically when Eagleston Holly hits its stride in terms of annual growth. The root system is now well-developed and the tree can support vigorous top growth.

• Expected growth: 18-24 inches of new height
• What you'll see: A noticeably taller, fuller tree. If planted as a screen, gaps between trees begin to close.
• Berry production: Female trees may begin producing red berries by year three, especially if a male holly pollinator is nearby.
• Pruning: Light shaping can begin in late winter if desired. Eagleston Holly responds well to pruning and can be maintained at a specific height or allowed to grow naturally.

Years 4-5: Maturation

By years four and five, your Eagleston Holly is a well-established tree producing consistent annual growth and requiring minimal maintenance.

• Expected growth: 18-24 inches per year continues
• Typical size at year 5 (from a 30-gallon start): 13-16 feet tall with a spread of 6-8 feet
• What you'll see: Dense, pyramidal form with glossy dark green leaves year-round. Heavy berry production in fall and winter on female trees.
• Maintenance: Annual fertilization in spring, supplemental watering only during extended drought, and optional shaping pruning once a year.

Year 5 and Beyond: Full Maturity

Eagleston Holly can eventually reach 20-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide if left unpruned. Most homeowners in the Houston area maintain them at 15-20 feet through occasional pruning. At maturity, the tree provides:

• Year-round privacy screening
• Attractive red berry displays from October through February
• Habitat and food for birds, especially Cedar Waxwings and American Robins
• Low-maintenance evergreen beauty that requires minimal water once established

Factors That Affect Growth Rate

Your Eagleston Holly's actual growth rate will depend on several factors:

• Watering: Consistent deep watering in the first two years is the biggest factor in long-term performance.
• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours) produces the fastest, densest growth. Partial shade is tolerated but growth slows.
• Soil drainage: While hollies tolerate clay soil, they do not like standing water. Ensure adequate drainage at the planting site.
• Fertilization: Annual spring feeding with a holly-specific or acid-loving plant fertilizer supports consistent growth.

Start Your Eagleston Holly Today

Bill Bownds Nursery carries Eagleston Holly in multiple container sizes, from 15-gallon to 95-gallon specimens for instant impact. We offer delivery and professional installation throughout Houston, Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land, and the surrounding area. Call us at (281) 277-2033 or visit us at 2110 Cedar Lane, Katy, TX 77494 to see our current inventory.