Holly Tree Disease - Ask Extension
Hello! Our holly tree seems to have gotten some kind of disease where the top of the leaf turns black and the underside has white streaky growths on ...
Knowledgebase
Holly Tree Disease #756112
Asked June 14, 2021, 1:03 PM EDT
Hello! Our holly tree seems to have gotten some kind of disease where the top of the leaf turns black and the underside has white streaky growths on it. Pics attached. Can you tell me what it is and how to treat it?
Thanks!
Alex
District of Columbia County District of Columbia
Expert Response
The white objects your see are from an insect known as cottony camellia scale. Here's what you need to know: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/cottony-camellia-scale-shrubs
The adults live under a protective covering like a turtle shell. That's why you have to spray when the juveniles (crawlers) hatch, because at that time they don't have the protective shell to keep off the insecticide.
The black sooty mold will wear off on its own. Concentrate on getting rid of the scale.
Ellen
