Question
QUESTION: I have a blue jay nesting in one of my holly trees. When I had a landscaper here, he told me that my hollies have a fungus and that birds nesting in them causes the fungus; therefore, I should remove the nest. I live in Davidson, NC.
My mother, who lives in Wilmington,NC, has had a mockingbird nesting in her holly tree for 2 years, and there is no sign of fungus.
Is it true that birds nesting in hollies will cause them to contract a fungus? I am reluctant to remove the nest before i know whether or not this is an "old wives tale."
ANSWER: Michael,

In my 23 years of treating trees and shrubs, I have never heard of a Holly becoming infected with a fungus from a bird. What are the symptoms of this fungus? If you can let me kow, I can figure out what your landscaper is talking about.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your answer.  The landscaper actually said that birds nesting in the holly bring disease to the tree, not necessarily fungus.  Although, he did point out that we had fungus.  Its a Nelly Stevens holly.  Some of the leaves are turning yellow and have brown spots on them.  What is the best treatment?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Michael,

There are two possiblities for the yellowing leaves with brown spots.

The first is Holly Leafminer. This insect tunnels inside the leaves, causing browning and eventual death of the leaf. To check for this, hold a leaf up to the light- you will be able to see the tunnel inside the leaf. This insect needs to be treated with a systemic insecticide in the early spring.

The second possibility is Holly Leafspot. This disease is spread by air bourne spores from one infected holly to another. To combat this disease, treat the plant with a fungicide that is registered for leafspot.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen