Holly Trouble

Question

We have Burford holly shrubs along the front of the house (east side). The tips of some of the leaves are turning brown with some yellowing. In the past, some bushes have died. Need help!!

Answer 1

There are several diseases it could be. I would check the roots first. You may have a root rot that is slowly killing the roots and eventually the leaves. Some of the root rots can be treated by drenching the soil with fungicide, but some cannot be treated and the plants need to be removed. This is the most likely cause. Root rots tend to occur in plants that are in soils that have drainage problems and will return if the drainage is not improved.

Also, check the stems. There is also a possibility that it is a canker that is affecting the plant. This is less likely, but possible. Cankers can be corrected by treating the plants every few weeks, for a few months, with a fungicide. Cankers will likely be lower down on the affected limbs and will look like sunken spots on the wood.