Maryland’s “Black Frost” of 2026: What the Agricultural News Means for Your Landscape Hollies 

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
New secondary buds pushing through after the 2026 Maryland Black Frost on a Nellie Stevens Holly.

Executive Summary: The 2026 Black Frost & Your Hollies The Event: A late-season "Black Frost" on April 21, 2026, caused by a "False Spring" that caught new growth off guard. The Impact: New, succulent holly leaves (soft growth) appear "fried" or scorched because frozen cell walls burst. The Recovery: Healthy hollies use "secondary buds" to … Continue reading Maryland’s “Black Frost” of 2026: What the Agricultural News Means for Your Landscape Hollies 

Brown vs. Yellow Holly Leaves: Identifying Winter Burn and Why You Must Wait to Transplant

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Severe winter burn on Nellie Stevens Holly leaves showing brittle brown edges and desiccation at a Maryland tree farm.

If you are looking at your Nellie Stevens or American Hollies this spring and seeing discolored leaves, you aren't alone. However, the color of that discoloration tells a very different story about your tree's health. In a previous post, we discussed Why Holly Leaves Turn Yellow in the Spring—a natural process of shedding old growth. … Continue reading Brown vs. Yellow Holly Leaves: Identifying Winter Burn and Why You Must Wait to Transplant

Best Privacy Trees for Spring Planting: Transform Your Landscape Before Summer

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Gorgeous Green Giant Arborvitae we installed to improve curb appeal. One of the best evergreen privacy trees for MD, DC, and VA.

Why Spring is one of the Best Times to Plant Privacy Trees Spring is one of the two best seasons for planting privacy trees, ensuring strong root establishment before the summer heat arrives. Homeowners looking to create a natural privacy screen and/or wind barrier should take advantage of this time when soil conditions are optimal … Continue reading Best Privacy Trees for Spring Planting: Transform Your Landscape Before Summer

Evergreen Tree Uses by Native American and Early Settlers

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Evergreen tree teas was a common drink for various ailments and vitamin C.

Did you know evergreen trees were essential for survival and spiritual practices long before they became holiday decor? Evergreen trees have played a crucial role in the history of Native Americans and early settlers, providing everything from shelter, windscreen, and sustenance to spiritual significance. These resilient trees are also subtly linked to Thanksgiving traditions, symbolizing … Continue reading Evergreen Tree Uses by Native American and Early Settlers

Evergreen Tree Low Maintenance Guide: Tips for Summer Care of Privacy Trees

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Drip irrigation is the perfection solution for watering evergreen trees.

Evergreen trees are a fantastic option for creating natural privacy screens in your yard. Not only do they provide year-round greenery, but they also contribute to a serene and functional outdoor living space. This summer, ensure your evergreen trees thrive by following our maintenance guide, which includes advanced watering options like smart garden watering devices. … Continue reading Evergreen Tree Low Maintenance Guide: Tips for Summer Care of Privacy Trees

Why Are Holly Tree Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off? | Understanding Spring Leaf Drop

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Holly leaves turning yellow and dropping off is the normal leaf casting cycle and occurs every Spring.

At Pryor's Nursery, we understand that seeing your beloved Holly tree's leaves turning yellow and drop off can be alarming. However, if this happens in the spring, it is often just part of the tree's natural cycle. Hollies, specifically the Nellie R. Stevens Holly, are grown locally on our evergreen tree farm in Damascus, MD, … Continue reading Why Are Holly Tree Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off? | Understanding Spring Leaf Drop

American Holly vs. Nellie Stevens Holly: A Comprehensive Comparison

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
American Holly vs Nellie Stevens Holly installed by Pryor's Nursery

American Holly vs Nellie Stevens Holly In the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in areas like Maryland, Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Northern West Virginia, choosing the perfect holly species for your garden is crucial for landscaping success. Two popular options are the native American Holly (Ilex opaca) and the hybrid Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie … Continue reading American Holly vs. Nellie Stevens Holly: A Comprehensive Comparison

Green Wealth: How Evergreen Trees Boost Property Values and Privacy

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Green Giant privacy screening can boost your property value and your health!

Various factors influence the value of a property, and one often overlooked yet significant contributor is the presence of trees. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, trees play a crucial role in elevating property values, particularly evergreen trees that offer year-round benefits. In the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, homeowners are discovering the … Continue reading Green Wealth: How Evergreen Trees Boost Property Values and Privacy

Seasonal DIY Evergreen Crafts for Family Fun

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
DIY Evergreen Crafting for the holidays.

Tis the Season The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing a touch of nature into your home with DIY evergreen crafts? In collaboration with Pryor's Nursery, your local go-to evergreen tree farm, we bring you a delightful journey into crafting festive decorations that brighten up your space … Continue reading Seasonal DIY Evergreen Crafts for Family Fun

Green Giant Arborvitae: A Lush and Affordable Landscape

Posted on by Wade Pryor, Owner and Botanist
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae privacy screening between a home and a commercial building. A lush and affordable landscape tree for privacy. Check out our FAQs regarding evergreen trees.

Welcome to Pryor's Nursery, where we explore the wonders of the Green Giant Arborvitae tree—an absolute favorite in the world of landscaping and gardening. In this blog, we delve into the reasons behind the immense popularity of Green Giant Arborvitae trees, answering common questions and shedding light on the remarkable features that make them a … Continue reading Green Giant Arborvitae: A Lush and Affordable Landscape