American holly

American holly (Ilex opaca 'Chief Paduke') should be watered moderately, such that the soil is kept slightly moist but not wet. Watering once a week (or when soil feels dry to the touch) should suffice. It is essential to water the holly deeply so that the water absorbs into the root system, and not lightly watered on the surface, as this may cause root rot. Additionally, avoid over-watering the holly, as excessive moisture can cause fungi and overwatering can cause yellowing of the leaves. Water early in the day to allow time for excess water to evaporate, rather than sitting on the foliage and leading to fungal issues.

American holly (Ilex opaca 'Chief Paduke') should be planted in an area with full sun to light shade, where it will receive 4-6 hours of sun each day. However, the air roots of this plant species prefer shade, so it can be beneficial to provide partial shade to prevent them from drying out. You may need to protect the tree from strong winds or afternoon sun with shade cloth or draping plants to prevent sunburn or leaf scorch. This tree should be monitored for signs of distress such as wilting and leaf chlorosis caused by too much direct light.

American holly (Ilex opaca 'Chief Paduke') should be pruned during the late winter or early spring months. Pruning should be done lightly, since this type of shrub will naturally prune itself. It’s best to remove any dead or damaged branches first, and then prune to keep the shrub compact and in shape aligned with a desired size. The tips of the branch should then be thinned out in order to promote a fuller growth. The best way to do this is to remove a few of the outer and inner branches from each side of the tip. This will allow for fuller growth in the center, rather than just at the edges. Prune lightly, as too much pruning can damage the shrub.