Knowledgebase

Sky Pencil Holly why is part of it turning brown #681975

Asked February 27, 2021, 8:20 AM EST

My Sky Pencil is turning brown can you help don’t know why

Fulton County Georgia

Expert Response

"Sky Pencil" holly (Ilex crenata "Sky Pencil") is considered generally to be a tough plant, resistant to pests and disease. Those are still possibilities, as are abiotic issues. Some troubleshooting questions, keeping in mind that I’m not in your region:

How has the weather been? Is this on the side that froze or burned? Drying harsh wind?

Is this very recent, sudden, or is it slowly progressing through the plant?

Look closely at some leaves, are there signs of insects? (Webbing or frass)

Examine bark and trunk for lesions or sunken areas indicating cankers.

Is the damage only on one branch or trunk section? Perhaps that’s a clue. Photos from other sides are needed.

How long has it been in this location? Is it watered correctly? Is the driveway location meaning it gets too hot, or something put on the hard surface damaged the plant? (Moss or ice removal products)

A local expert to examine your shrub is better than dealing with photos on this site, Contact  your local county extension master gardener volunteers?

This page gives problems with a different cultivar of Japanese holly. The list gives you an idea of the blights, insects and problems to consider for your plant. 


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