holly trees are losing all their leaves

Question

Recently, the leaves turned tan and fell off several large trees. The red berries stayed on while this was occurring. Sounds like scorch but how do I know it’s not a disease? Is there anything I can do to stop this from continuing? Will the trees die?

Answer 1

There are a few things it could be, though scorch is the most likely. That diagnosis might change if you are seeing coloring of the leaves before they brown or spotting. This article will give some other possibilities:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/diseases-of-holly-bushes-pests-and-diseases-damaging-holly-bushes.htm

If it is scorch, in most cases, the plants will recover. It is more of a cosmetic problem than a lethal one. The best you can do is just give them time to regrow.