Question
I have 8 Japanese holly shrubs and many of them are dying from the center out.   They are loosing their branches but from the center.  What is this problem and what should I do?

Answer
Donna,
This is a common ocurance in evergreens- shedding the inner growth helps the plants preserve energy.
However, it could also be an indication of root problems due to poor drainage or shock. If these plants are younger than 5 years old, then it could be transplant shock. Otherwise, check the soil in the area to make sure there is no standing or puddling which would cause root rot.
It is also possible that the plants were attacked by whitefly. These tiny white insects suck the juices out of the leaves, causing them to die back. The way you know that they are present is to shake the plant and if there is a cloud of insects that fly up, then they are present. Treat the underside of the leaves with a registered insectide for whiteflies.
I hope this helped.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen