Question
I have a weeping holly that is 8 to 10 years old.  Last year many of the leaves curled tightly closed and the branch eventually died.  Closer examination found a leaf that seemed to be glued shut with a small black insect inside.  The leaf was thicker than normal.  The tree survived but had to be pruned fairly severely to cut away the dead branches.  It recovered beautifully this year until just this week when the whole thing started up again.  We applied systemic early this year hoping it would do the job.....no luck.  I hesitate to use insecticide because I don't know that it will penetrate the closed leaf.  I assume that something else is going on (like small crawlers that hatch and destroy the branch).

My research has turned up no answers.  I hope you have some.....please!

Mary Lou

Answer
Mary Lou:
Sorry, but bugs are not best best asset! I suggest carrying a few of the affected leaves to your local nursery/greenhouse or better yet to your local county Extension office to have that critter identified and an appropriate insecticide suggested to you. There are a few good materials that can control numerous insects, but best to get a positive ID before spraying.

Steve