Knowledgebase

Dropping Leaves on Eagleston Holly Tree #773479

Asked September 28, 2021, 5:23 PM EDT

We planted three large Eagleston Holly trees in late April. The leaves are turning yellow to brown and dropping from one of the trees. The other two seem to be fine (right now). What do you think could be the cause of this? Is the tree dying? We have been watering the trees regularly. Did we fertilize the holly too much? Could it be a leaf blight or fungus? The leaves seem to have some dark spots when they turn yellow before they turn brown. I am sending you pictures of the leaves: one "close picture" and the other two on the tree itself. (The second picture shows water dripping from the leaves--I was in the process of watering the tree when I took the picture.) Your help would be greatly appreciated. It would be very sad and costly to lose this tree! Thank you, Jan and Steve Wilson Jan Wilson

Travis County Texas

Expert Response

I'm sorry, the pH of the soil in our area is too high for this variety of holly. Unfortunately soil pH isn't something that can be changed easily, if at all. You will have more success growing Eagleston Holly in a pot with rich, well-draining potting soil.

The soil pH affects which micronutrients the plant has access to. Plants that are native to Central Texas have evolved to cope with a pH that limits access to nutrients. Essentially, they are able to do more with less. Adding more nutrients to the soil isn't going to help get them into the plant.

Eagleston Holly, like most Ilex x attenuata hybrids, can be grown in parts of Texas with slightly acidic soils and consistent rainfall. They are commonly grown in North Texas, the Gulf Coast and East Texas.

Yaupon holly is the best variety for this area. You can find more information about Yaupon Holly and other evergreen trees for Central Texas in this plant guide: http://www.austintexas.gov/watershed_protection/publications/document.cfm?id=198301

Best,

Brittany

Travis County Master Gardeners Replied October 01, 2021, 11:49 PM EDT

Loading ...