Knowledgebase

Damage to Holly Leash #451712

Asked May 04, 2018, 4:09 PM EDT

Holly tree was healthy going into fall. Now it’s looking sparse and leaves have brown and white spots on them . Pictures enclosed.

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

The foliage of the holly tree shows some winter damage and some normal leaf shedding.  In many cases winter damage occurs during the winter months but symptoms appear in the spring as the plant begins to emerge from the winter dormant period and move into the spring growth phase. We had a cold winter, fluctuating temperatures, and dry periods.

It is normal for hollies to shed their one year old leaves in the spring about the time the new growth is forming. Leaves may be yellow and have some fungal spots. They will drop.

Scratch the branches with your fingernail and look for green tissue. If you see it, the branch is still viable. If brown, it is dead and you can prune. Wait to see if the new growth is looking good to determine if any other action is needed.  Be patient before pruning.
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/normal-shedding-older-leaves-trees-and-shrubs
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/winter-damage-trees-and-shrubs
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