tree pruning effects on lumber quality

If you have a county extension agent available in your area, I would have them look at it. Disease could have entered the damaged part of the tree (which either led to the death of the branch or allowed it to enter after the fact. If you can’t find someone to look at it, I don’t have any experience with holly, but I’ve had success with using sealers such as PET or even pouring melted wax over a fresh cut branch area of a tree to prevent insect and/or disease infestation.

-- Sam

In general removing dead limbs should not hurt a tree. As Sam says above, you may want to seek advice of what to do with the resulting wound.

I had some holly when I lived in Texas and every few years I would butcher it because it was being used as hedge and was getting out of hand. My experience with holly is that it is very hardy and forgiving and in Tx, almost impossible to kill.

-- If you can't joint it, bead it!

thanks guys. my main concern is letting fungus in that would stain the white color that I hope to utilize someday. I try and look into your advice, but any more experience would be appreciated. Even if it wasn’t on holly lumber, I’d like to know if lumber cut from trees that were previously delimbed would have any staining.
Thanks!