What are the nodules on Holly Tree branches? They seem to exhude a glossy substance that looks like something has been sprayed with varnish. Is this a natural thing or something damaging to the tree? What, if anything, is any treatment?
It sounds like you may have pests, perhaps scale or mealybugs. I would recommend neem oil. I have found it to be very effective against these pests. Here is more information on it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm For additional information on scale bugs, which commonly affect these plants, here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
I have some kind of aphid. It looks likes small greyish blobs, very uniform all along the stems of the tree. Also, the lower part has some kind of soot on the leaves.
This is most likely aphids or mealy bugs. The black residue is sooty mold, which is caused by the pests. I would treat the plant with neem oil. It is effective against both of these bugs, as well as the sooty mold. Here is more information that may help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
My holly tree is 20 years old and recently dropped all leaves between late summer and early winter, from September through January. It is now spring and there are no new leaves. Should I cut it down and dig up the roots?
Before you get rid of it, check to see if any of the branches are still alive. If so, there may be a good chance that the leaves will regrow. This article will help determine if your shrub is alive: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
What should I use to get rid of scale on my holly bush? It is very close to lilac bushes, rose bushes, and hydrangea - which are not affected yet. Thank you.
I would recommend neem oil. I have found it to be very effective against these pests. Here is more information on it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm For additional information on scale bugs, which commonly affect these plants, here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
We have several hollies that were damaged by heavy snow and ice this winter. How far do we trim them up to recoup from this damage? Thanks for any help you can give us.
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
My holly berry trees were planted about 5 months ago. The leaves on two of them are turning brown and falling off the trees. What can I do?
This could be a number of things - too little water (especially if something is restricting the roots), over fertilizing, leaf scorch (if planted in too much sun), or even a fungus. It may help to prune the plants to help rejuvenate them. Also, step on the soil around the plants to eliminate any air pockets that may be lingering, which would make it difficult for the plants to take up water, then water the area well. And to err on the safe side, treat them with fungicide.
I have a holly bush which badly needs pruning. I have read that it should be done in December, but was covered with snow then. Can I trim it now, or should I wait until late fall?
You can prune now, but if you do, you will likely not get berries this year. It doesn't hurt the plant, but as most people like to get the berries, they avoid pruning at this time.