"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
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...g?t=1240166781

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...g?t=1240166793


Seems to be damaged predoninently to the driveway side. Being in the
driveway and at that low height at first I thought it could be damage from
hot auto exhaust but then I noticed it's right at the back door so it could
be someone has been tossing their dirty soapy mop bucket water. I can see
some smaller much lower plants there that don't seem affected so maybe those
are too low for the exhaust or are simply more tolerant or the holly is
shielding them from overspray. It's barely growing season there yet, I'd
leave it alone and wait... just don't idle an automobile/riding mower there
and don't be tossing dirty water there... looks like they tossed the
fercocktah liquid from the top step over the bush into the wind and that's
the result of blow back... could even be the result of someones habit of
constantly tossing the dregs of a beverage, hot or cold... I bet my Crystal
Palace w/grapefruit juice could do that, 'cept I never toss any 'cept down
my hatch. Maybe that solves the mystery of left over beer. You have to
admit it's located perfectly for tossing dregs of drinks both coming and
going.