Eagleston Holly Trees for Sale

Why Choose Eagleston Holly for Your Houston-Area Landscape

The Eagleston Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'East Palatka' variant) is one of the most popular evergreen trees in the greater Houston area, and for good reason. Its dense, pyramidal form makes it a natural choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and ornamental focal points throughout Katy, Richmond, and Houston neighborhoods. Unlike many evergreens that struggle with Gulf Coast humidity, the Eagleston Holly actually thrives in our subtropical climate, maintaining rich dark-green foliage year-round while producing brilliant red berries in fall and winter that attract songbirds to your property.

At Bill Bownds Nursery, we have been growing and selling Eagleston Holly trees for over 50 years. We understand what it takes to produce a healthy, well-rooted specimen that will establish quickly in your landscape. Whether you are a homeowner looking for a single statement tree or a landscaper needing a truckload for a commercial project, we carry the sizes and quantities you need.

Growth Timeline and Mature Size

Eagleston Holly is classified as a moderate grower, typically adding 12 to 24 inches of height per year once established in the ground. Here is what you can expect:

• Year 1-2: Establishment period. The tree focuses on root development. Expect 6 to 12 inches of top growth in well-watered conditions.
• Year 3-5: Growth accelerates to 18 to 24 inches per year. The canopy begins to fill in and the classic pyramidal shape becomes prominent.
• Year 5-10: The tree reaches 15 to 20 feet tall with a spread of 8 to 12 feet. Berry production increases significantly.
• Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide at maturity, typically reached in 15 to 20 years.

Eagleston Holly is an excellent choice when you need screening sooner rather than later. Compared to Live Oaks, which take decades to reach full canopy, the Eagleston delivers privacy in just a few years.

Planting Guide for Texas Clay Soil

Houston-area soils are predominantly heavy clay, and the Eagleston Holly handles clay better than most evergreen trees. Follow these steps for successful establishment:

Site Preparation

• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Eagleston Holly performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Ensure the area has adequate drainage. While clay soil retains moisture, standing water will damage roots.
• Dig the planting hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper. In clay soil, planting too deep is the number one killer of new trees.

Planting Steps

• Remove the tree from the container and gently loosen any circling roots.
• Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball sits 1 to 2 inches above the surrounding grade. This is critical in clay soil to prevent crown rot.
• Backfill with the native clay soil. Do not amend with potting mix, as this creates a bathtub effect where water pools around the roots.
• Build a soil ring around the outer edge of the hole to create a watering basin.
• Water deeply and apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch, keeping it 4 inches away from the trunk.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

During the first two growing seasons, water your Eagleston Holly deeply once or twice per week. After establishment, the tree is moderately drought-tolerant and typically needs supplemental water only during extended dry spells. Our region's average annual rainfall of 50 inches usually provides adequate moisture for established trees.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (such as 12-6-6) in early spring, just before new growth begins. A second application in early fall supports berry production. Avoid fertilizing after October to prevent tender new growth before winter.

Pruning

Eagleston Holly naturally maintains a tidy pyramidal shape and rarely requires heavy pruning. Light shaping in late winter or early spring is sufficient. If you are using them as a hedge or privacy screen, shear the sides lightly in June after the spring growth flush. Visit our nursery blog for seasonal pruning tips and more tree care advice.

Pest and Disease Management

Eagleston Holly is relatively pest-free in the Houston area. Occasional issues include leaf miners and scale insects, both of which can be managed with horticultural oil. The tree is resistant to most foliar diseases common to our humid climate.

Container Sizes Available

Bill Bownds Nursery stocks Eagleston Holly in a range of container sizes to fit every project and budget:

• 15-gallon: 5 to 6 feet tall. Ideal for homeowners planting privacy rows or filling in landscape beds.
• 30-gallon: 7 to 8 feet tall. A popular size for immediate visual impact without the cost of larger specimens.
• 45-gallon: 9 to 10 feet tall. Great for projects that need instant screening.
• 65-gallon: 10 to 12 feet tall. Substantial trees for estate landscapes and commercial properties.
• 95-gallon: 12 to 14 feet tall. Our largest container size for those who want mature presence from day one.

We offer both retail pricing for homeowners and contact us for volume pricing. Quantity discounts are available on orders of 10 or more trees.

Delivery and Professional Installation

Bill Bownds Nursery provides delivery and installation services throughout Katy, Houston, Richmond, Sugar Land, Fulshear, and the greater Fort Bend and Harris County areas. Our crews have decades of experience planting trees in Houston-area clay soils and will ensure your Eagleston Holly is installed at the correct depth with proper soil preparation. Contact us for a delivery quote or visit the nursery at our location on FM 1463 in Katy to hand-select your trees.

Looking for other evergreen options? Consider our Southern Magnolias for a larger-growing alternative, or add seasonal color to your landscape with Crape Myrtles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eagleston Holly

How fast does Eagleston Holly grow in Houston?

Eagleston Holly grows at a moderate pace in the Houston area, typically adding 12 to 24 inches of height per year once established. During the first two years after planting, growth is slower as the tree focuses on root development in our heavy clay soils. By year three, most Eagleston Hollies hit their stride with 18 to 24 inches of annual growth. Our warm climate and long growing season give this species an advantage over cooler regions, and with proper watering during the first two summers, your Eagleston Holly will fill out into a dense, pyramidal screen in just a few years. Mature trees reach 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide over 15 to 20 years.

What size Eagleston Holly should I buy?

The best container size depends on your timeline and budget. If you need privacy screening quickly, a 45- or 65-gallon Eagleston Holly (9 to 12 feet tall) provides immediate visual impact and establishes faster than many people expect. For budget-conscious projects or larger quantity plantings, 15-gallon trees (5 to 6 feet) are the most economical option and will reach screening height within three to four years. Our most popular retail size is the 30-gallon container (7 to 8 feet), which balances cost with immediate presence. Visit Bill Bownds Nursery to walk our growing fields and compare sizes in person before deciding.

Does Eagleston Holly grow well in clay soil?

Yes, Eagleston Holly is one of the best-adapted evergreen trees for Houston-area clay soils. Unlike many ornamental trees that struggle with poor drainage and the shrink-swell cycles of Beaumont clay, Eagleston Holly tolerates these conditions remarkably well. The key to success is planting at the correct depth — set the root ball 1 to 2 inches above the surrounding grade to prevent crown rot. Do not amend the planting hole with potting mix, as this creates a bathtub effect that traps water around the roots. Backfill with native clay soil and mulch heavily. We have grown Eagleston Hollies in Fort Bend County clay for over 50 years and can confirm they handle it without issue.

How much do Eagleston Holly trees cost?

Eagleston Holly pricing at Bill Bownds Nursery varies by container size. Our 15-gallon trees are the most affordable option, while 95-gallon specimens (12 to 14 feet tall) command a premium for their instant landscape presence. We offer competitive retail pricing and volume discounts on orders of 10 or more trees. Because our inventory and pricing fluctuate with the seasons, we recommend calling (281) 277-2033 for current pricing. You are also welcome to visit the nursery at 2110 Cedar Lane in Katy to see our current stock and get a quote on the spot.

Do you deliver Eagleston Holly to Houston, Katy, and Richmond?

Absolutely. Bill Bownds Nursery delivers Eagleston Holly trees throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area, including Katy, Houston, Richmond, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Cypress, and surrounding communities. Our delivery crew handles trees of all sizes safely using specialized equipment, and we offer professional installation to ensure your Eagleston Holly is planted at the correct depth with proper root flare exposure. Delivery fees depend on distance and order size — call us for a quote or learn more about our delivery and installation services.