"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
"brooklyn1" wrote in message
...

"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.


The plant is actually about 15 feet from the side door. I think we can
safely rule out dishwater damage.

You need to return with your tape measure, it's right up to that landing,
there's only one shingle length from the door jamb to the corner of the
building, and it not two feet from the driveway, it plainly overhangs the
blacktop.