Question
We live in Lumberton North Carolina. I planted soft touch hollies in the front of our house four years ago. Last winter we got some snow. Two of the hollies started to turn yellow and die in the spring. This winter we got more snow. Now about four more of our hollies have turn yellow and are die. what are we doing wrong.
Thanks

Answer
Howdy Ina Collins,

Howdy from "Coach Dave", I work for The Home Depot and solving plant problems is what I do. In regards to shrubs, this is my main area of expertise so let's roll up our sleeves and see what's going on.


Ilex crenata or "Soft Touch Holly" is usually a very hardy decorative shrub so I share your concern when a problem like yellowing and declining health appears.


One of the most destructive pests are nematodes that cause decline of established ornamental plants in North Carolina. Nematode-damaged roots often are further destroyed by fungi and bacteria.


Damage to plants from these root-feeding nematodes is progressive and often results in poor growth, low vigor, yellowing or bronzing of the foliage, loss of leaves, stem die-back, failure to respond to fertilizer because of root damage and eventually death.


Other problems such as root rot or too much fertilizer can cause symptoms similar to those produced by nematodes.

A treatment of methyl bromide can address the nematodes if this is indeed the culprit.

A soil test kit can let you know if the acidity is the problem.

Let me know what happens when you address the Nematode problem and soil test and we can take it from there.

Yours Respectfully,

Coach Dave