Yellow and Dropping Holly Leaves - Ask Extension
Most of my hollies have developed yellow leaves.
Those leaves are also falling to the ground.
What's going on?
What can I do to stop the leaves from ...
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Yellow and Dropping Holly Leaves #557693
Asked May 02, 2019, 12:06 PM EDT
Most of my hollies have developed yellow leaves.
Those leaves are also falling to the ground.
What's going on?
What can I do to stop the leaves from turning yellow?
Prevent them from falling off.
Fortunately, there is new growth on the hollies.
Thank you for your help.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Holly trees normally drop some
old leaves this time of year. The leaves first turn yellow and often become
spotted with various fungal spots as they weaken, preparing to drop. It is all
normal. This explains further: http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/normal-leaf-shedding
Even though hollies are evergreen, they still
drop old leaves. If they put out a lot of new leaves in a particular year, then a few
years later when that year's leaves are old, the tree will seem to be dropping
more leaves than usual.
Christa
Good morning Christa,
Thank you for reassuring me that my hollies aren’t dying!
Whew.
To fertilize them, I’ve heard of holly stakes.
Do they work well?
Thank you.
Thank you for reassuring me that my hollies aren’t dying!
Whew.
To fertilize them, I’ve heard of holly stakes.
Do they work well?
Thank you.
Mature trees don't really need to be fertilized. We don't recommend using fertilizer on established trees. However, a yearly application of about 1-2" of a composted product will improve soil structure and, at the same time, provide nutrients for the tree.
Also, leaving fallen leaves under the tree as a natural mulch can benefit the tree, as the leaves decompose and also feed the tree.
Ellen
Also, leaving fallen leaves under the tree as a natural mulch can benefit the tree, as the leaves decompose and also feed the tree.
Ellen
