Identify Holly Disease - Ask Extension
Hi, I have 2 magnificent (large) holly trees and just noticed that one is about half full of these yellow, dark spotted leaves-- the other is worse. ...
Knowledgebase
Identify Holly Disease #318007
Asked May 02, 2016, 1:22 AM EDT
Hi, I have 2 magnificent (large) holly trees and just noticed that one is about half full of these yellow, dark spotted leaves-- the other is worse. Have a great photo but couldn't insert in your form, can easily email photo if I have address. THANKS! Carolyn H.
Delaware County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Holly is susceptible to a fungal disease called tar spot. The disease isn't fatal to the holly, and so is best controlled by hygiene, Remove and destroy
badly spotted leaves, prune to improve air circulation and
overcrowding, and clean up and destroy fallen leaves. Bag and burn the debris. Don't compost it since the fungus may survive composting. Clearing out the infected leaves prevents the disease from sending out spores to infect more leaves. The fungus likes wet leaves, so do what you can to help the leaves dry after a rain, and water only at the base of the plant. Also, mulch to keep soil from splashing up on the leaves.