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What is wrong with my Nellie R Stevens holly? #354044

Asked August 17, 2016, 4:41 PM EDT

The holly is dying mostly on the top half of the plant; It is green and healthy on the bottom. The leaves affected are yellowing and the CENTER vein of the leaf is wide and brown, tapered to the shape of the leaf. On a stem, the back leaves are turning, but the tip has green, almost healthy looking leaves - that later start turning as well.

Tarrant County Texas

Expert Response

From the pictures you sent I don't see any evidence of insect or disease which leads me to think its cultural? We are seeing a lot of dieback in large shrubs and trees due to the crazy weather. The first half of the year was cool and rainy then it went into hot and dry almost over night. Couple that with the last few years of drought and lots of plants are just giving up the ghost? Is there turf underneath and if so how is it doing? If its in a landscape bed how are the other plants close doing?

One of the things we see after long periods of rain is the nitrogen has been leached from the soils, which could cause some of the yellowing? have you fertilized this year?

Hope this helps?

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 18, 2016, 11:03 AM EDT

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