This pattern of browning and shedding of leaves from your holly is a symptom of a root rot problem. This can be an issue in situations where the soil has stayed very moist for an extended period of time. Some types of hollies are more susceptible to root rots than others. When the roots are impaired, the plant cannot take up the water it needs and leaves may brown out quite rapidly, as you have observed.

Unfortunately, there is not anything you can do to reverse this problem. Removal and replacement is recommended, since there is no treatment to reverse these symptoms.

Christa

Thank you so much for responding, I kind of suspected, this has been one of our rainiest summers on record here. Before I replace it with something, is there any need for soil treatment? Thinking of possibly replacing with a crepe myrtle.

No, there is no need for any type of soil treatment. If the planting location does tend to stay soggy, however, we would not recommend a crepe myrtle, since they don't like to have "wet feet." They are better suited for areas that drain well. Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a nice small tree that can take average to moist soil in full sun. It is a native tree that is adapted to the Maryland Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. Other types of locally adapted trees can be found on this website, http://www.nativeplantcenter.net/.

Christa