I recently planted four hollies, four vibernum plants and a beautiful reblooming lilac bush. All of a sudden I've noticed holes all around almost every bush. Something is digging it's way deep into the ground. I tried flushing them out with a hose, but nothing came out. The holes are about 3 or 4 inches across. What could it be, and how do I get rid of whatever it is? They, the new plants, are right up against some woods. Help! I need help! Thank you to anyone who answers.

First off, to ATP!

Second, voles and mice come to mind first. Are you seeing digging anywhere else. Any neighborhood cats or dogs around? Cats may help with your problem.

Hello and welcome to ATP.
Could you try to upload some photos? Maybe put something in the photo for size reference like a pen or trowel?

Could be rabbits, skunks, opossums, groundhogs; if the holes are 3" or larger probably not moles, voles or chipmunks. There are feral hogs in southern New Jersey; they can do a pretty good night's work and leave a mess.

While you wait to learn exactly which critter it is, you might try to lay some chicken wire on the ground and secure it with long 'staples'; that might give your plants some time to recover.

Edited at add:
I was typing while @Zencat was posting. It never occurred to me to ask if there are dogs or cats in the area. Freshly turned soil would attract them.

This might help:
http://icwdm.org/pages/GroundH...

Have that ( or something like that ) here, one of my oriental lilies is starting to lean due to the digging, and quite a few bushes have holes around them. Not sure in your case but after some intense observation, I found birds to be the culprits. Bug hunting I guess. Easy fix though, since the digging is happening from the TOP down, I just placed some hardware cloth a good distance around the affected plants ( about a foot will do ) starting real close to the base of the plant.

p.s.
This also works on rabbits, cats ,dogs and yes even grand kids.;-)