Question
Larry,
We have a hedge of Needle Point Hollys around our porch that I treat with "Rescue" whenever I see problems like aphyds or scale. One disease continues to hang on though and keeps on showing up.
It begins with the leaves turning yellow. Then the leaves start dropping. After the leaves drop the remaining stem turns black progressivelly from the tip toward the main portion of the plant.
What is it? What can I do to get rid of it and what do I do to stay rid of it?


Answer
Hi Doug
yellowing leaves and foliage loss usually means two things
a drainage problem or a nutrition deficiency. both can lead to serious disease problems. Hollys are usually problem free but they do ocasionally develop these conditions when they are in distress. you need to find out what is going on at the planting site. start with a soil test and go from there. your problem could be drainage, nutrition or a ph soil imbalance.   Good Luck Larry  ;-)