In article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:

Actually, it might not be a holly. This is in Rochester NY (zone 5-6-ish),
eastern exposure, roots about 2 feet from blacktop driveway. A friend just
moved into the house two days ago. We have no idea how the shrub was
treated/managed in the past. Previous owner is very secretive about it,
since she's deceased. Wind/frost could be the issue, but I'm wondering if
soil could somehow be SO screwed up that it would cause what you see in the
pictures.

Two pictures:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...pg?t=124016678
1

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...p.jpg?t=124016
6793

Looks like wind burn perhaps exacerbated by lack of water.

Bill

--
Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA

Not all who wander are lost.
- J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)