I Have A Sick Holly Bush

Question

The tops of my Holly bush have a sooty black substance and underneath, there are long white (about 1/2 inch) “things”, at lease 6 on each leaf. The leaves are not falling off and there is new growth from the stems. Did some research, but unsure of the problem, and how to take care of it. HELP !!! We never had this problem before. Thanking you in advance for your assistance.

Answer 1

Most likely it is scale. The black is sooty mold which develops on the "honeydew" secreted by the scale. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/diseases-of-holly-bushes-pests-and-diseases-damaging-holly-bushes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm