Hi Steve!

This is the time of year when hollies drop their older foliage - a normal process for evergreens! Older foliage tends to get spotty like yours and then falls. Don’t worry, new foliage quickly replaces these dropping leaves.

More on evergreen leaf yellowing here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/evergreen-foliage-yellowing

If you like, you can submit a photo of your tree and I can take a look.

Jamie

Thank you for your quick response! I'm new to the house and wasn't sure how it should appear. 

Hi Steve, 

Thank you for the photos. I can confirm it is indeed the annual evergreen leaf drop! Looking at your holly tree, I would recommend strongly that you mulch around it using our guide to properly mulching trees. The grass is growing right up to the trunk, which not only competes with the tree for nutrients, but also makes the tree susceptible to damage from lawn equipment. Damage from lawn equipment can cause entry points for disease and insects. 

In addition, hollies are typically not found in full sun in nature, so in dry periods make sure to keep it well-watered.

Congratulations on the new home and let us know if you need help identifying anything in your new yard!

Jamie

Fantastic! Thank you very kindly Jamie.

My pleasure! Happy growing.

Jamie