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Damage to my Japanese Holly bushes, Sky Pencil variety #620620

Asked April 02, 2020, 3:27 PM EDT

I have just noticed some damage to several of my Japanese holly bushes. The one that is the worst exhibits dead brown leaves that seem to stick together with it appears insect webbing (spider web?). It appears to have no damage to the woody parts of the plants. I know they are susceptible to root problems, hence the wood looks good so I think we can eliminate that. If it is spider mites or moth damage, how should I treat the problem. I suppose I can get any spray I need online and also, if I want to chance it, I could go to Ace. Please let me know what you think as I just got the 12 or so plants planted last fall and I would hate to lose them all and have to start all over again. Thank you, Linda Klaus Sorry, I am not a techy so cannot send you an image.

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, Holly. It is almost impossible to diagnose a plant problem without photos and/or an examination of the plant(s). Since the Extension offices are closed to the public, you can't take them in there for an exam. I'm afraid the best I can do is give you links to the various diseases and insects known to impact holly, so you can compare with what you see. I urge you not to apply chemicals until and unless the problem(s) get identified.

Here are various diseases:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=holly

Here are insects:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/crop-pests?combine=holly

The webbing certainly is good evidence of spider mites, but leaf holes are a different problem.  You're going to have to do some close examination to accumulate enough information to use the information, but what you've described could be about half of these.  If you can get someone to help you load some clear photos, and write back, we can keep trying.  Good luck!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 02, 2020, 4:08 PM EDT

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