Question
from Morgantown, WV: A mature holly has taken to having random yellow leaves with brown spots since the winter. The new growth seems to be vigorous and normal. What can be done? Thanks.

Answer
Cylindrocladium leaf spot, commonly on 'Burford', Japanese, American, and yaupon holly, is seen primarily on container stock in the Southeast. This disease may also be introduced into home landscapes on diseased container stock.

Symptoms first appear as tiny yellow (chlorotic) spots which later enlarge to circular spots with a tan to brown center and a purple-black border. Even a single spot may cause a diseased leaf to be prematurely shed by the plant. On badly defoliated holly, a shoot dieback may also occur.

In landscapes, 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.

One of these fungicides is Ortho Multi-Purpose Fungicide (Daconil 2787). There are others check with your local nursery for a fungicide for leaf spots on holly.