white spots and black branches on holly bush

Question

I have small rectangular white spots on the back of my holly bush leaves (one leaf may contain 5 or 6 spots) and some branches have a black sooty look (this does not wipe off). Sometimes both conditions are present on the same branch, but not always. Lots of new growth on the bush, what can I do?

Answer 1

It is possible that it is scale but sounds more like mealybugs. I like to treat both with neem oil. It is very effective and safe. The black residue is sooty mold, which is a side effect of the pests. Neem oil can treat this as well. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm