Diseases Of Holly Bushes Pests And Diseases Damaging Holly Bushes

The two most prevalent fungal holly tree diseases are tar spot and cankers. Tar Spot – Tar spot usually occurs with moist, cool springtime temperatures. This disease begins as small yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually become reddish brown to black in color and drop out, leaving holes in the foliage.

How do you treat Holly fungus?

In nurseries, apply a fungi- cide (See Table 1) every 10 to 14 days starting at bud break until all new growth matures. In land- scapes, apply fungicides only to plants previously damaged by disease. Begin fungicide sprays at leaf-out and repeat every 10 to 14 days until shoot growth has stopped.

Why are my holly bushes turning brown?

Blog > How can I help my holly bush with brown leaves and dead branches on it? The browned leaves and dead branches are the result of winter injury, likely sustained during the very cold temperatures we had back in January. ... Sunlight and warmth trigger the leaves to start photosynthesis, which causes them to lose water.

What is the black stuff on my holly bushes?

Sooty mold, a disease caused by the Capnodium fungus, looks like a black, powdery layer of soot on holly leaves and berries. The fungus grows on honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by soft scale insects after feeding on plant sap. ... In addition, the mold-covered leaves sometimes die and fall prematurely.

What insects eat holly leaves?

Holly loopers are caterpillars that eat the edges of holly leaves, leaving behind unsightly notches. Weevils also leave notches, but they are often round. Weevils live in the soil or in leaf debris and emerge to eat holly leaves at night, making control difficult. Weevil grubs feed on the roots.

How do you treat Holly scorch?

Treating Hollies with Leaf Scorch

Reducing plant drought stress by watering regularly through dry periods and into fall will help keep your holly's tissues hydrated through the winter.
Adding several inches (8 cm.) ...
Remember to water your holly well during those warm winter spells and you can kiss good-bye to leaf scorch.

What can I replace holly bushes with?

Holly bushes can make a landscape look outdated. Consider replacing them with something from the laurel family.

How do you rejuvenate holly bushes?

Cut branches just above new leaf buds or all the way back to main branch. Don't remove lower limbs of English holly. Instead, allow them to branch to the ground. If holly bushes require some major rejuvenation, however, they can be cut to the ground; again, this should be done during winter dormancy.

How do you revive a dying bush?

Water your shrub thoroughly to help with the growth process, and then prune out any lingering dead stems that didn't sprout new leaves. Saturated soil surrounding your brown shrubs is a sign of overwatering. Let up on the hydration until the soil dries out.

How do you treat holly leaf blight?

Holly leaf spot diseases are usually more severe after wet springs, but they rarely warrant fungicide controls. Fungicide sprays protect the new green shoots and leaves. Begin sprays as the buds swell and reapply 2-3 more times at label intervals to maintain protection during vulnerable periods.

How do you treat Holly sooty mold?

Once sooty mold is established, it is not easy to remove. The best method to remove the mold is to soak affected plants in a water and detergent mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of household liquid detergent per gallon of water and spray it on the plants.

How do you get rid of sooty mold on holly bushes?

Home remedies that work include baking soda sprays (1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of insecticidal or dish soap-do not use detergent-in a gallon of water. Spray every 7 to 14 days) and solutions of milk (one part milk to two parts water, sprayed every 7 to 14 days).

What causes black leaves on holly bushes?

On hollies, these black, fuzzy leaves are indicative of an infestation of soft scale insects; the blackened leaves are covered in sooty mold colonies, which feed on the sticky, sweet honeydew these pests produce.

Do any birds eat holly berries?

Holly plants are excellent bird feeders and the fruits are very desirable to birds. Some fruits from plants like Viburnums and Holly plants may not be the first fruits to be taken by birds. ... Holly berries will not harm the birds feeding on them so be sure to include them in your backyard wildlife refuge.

Does anything eat holly berries?

Deer, squirrels, and other small mammals will devour Ilex opaca (American holly) and the berries are an important source of food for as many as 18 species of birds.

How do you get rid of aphids on holly bushes?

Make a homemade insecticidal soap, a low-toxicity bug control solution that will desiccate the soft bodies and kill the aphids without doing harm to your plants. Simply mix a few teaspoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water, then spray or wipe the solution onto the leaves, stems, and buds of the plant.

How long do holly bushes live?

The Holly plant does grow pretty slow, but can eventually attain a height of around 30-50 feet in a compact pyramid shape. If planted in the right conditions and decently cared for some hollies can live up to 100 years or longer.

How do you get rid of leaf scorch?

If the cause of leaf scorch is chemical injury, recovery in some cases may be minimal. If de-icing salt or fertilizer burn are suspected, leaching the soil with a slow trickle of water for 24 hours may help in recovery.

Do holly leaves grow back?

Many holly species can grow into small trees if their growth is not curbed. If hollies become overgrown and need to be drastically reduced in size, they are tolerant of being cut back severely. In fact, a mature holly can generally be cut to the ground and will regrow vigorously from its roots.

What are the best low-maintenance shrubs?

17 Low-Maintenance Plants and Dwarf Shrubs

Butterfly Bush. Prune these plants by late August, so plants have time to harden off before freezes arrive. ...
Fringe Tree. ...
Coral Bells. ...
Denver Daisy. ...
Ninebark. ...
Contoneaster. ...
Purple Pixie. ...
Agapanthus.

What are the best shrubs for front of house?

Upright conical evergreen trees and shrubs such as arborvitae, spruces, boxwood, and yews are excellent choices for planting at house corners. Columnar trees can frame the front of your house and accent your other foundation plants.

What is the best way to remove shrubs?

Use your pointed shovel or garden shovel to expose the bush's roots. Dig all the way around the bush so the roots to expose the roots on all sides. Cut the roots with an axe. Use an axe or mattock to sever the exposed roots.