Diagnosing Holly Leaf Notches: Black Vine Weevil Damage and Systemic Control

Q: Can you tell me what's eating leaves on my holly hedge? It doesn't look like leafcutter bees.

Pest diagnosis is all about patterns. You're right—leafcutter bee damage is semi-circular and regular. Black vine weevils notch edges but notches are typically smaller.

I'm leaning toward black vine weevil damage combined with possible early spring caterpillar chewing. That explains notches and almost-complete leaf removal.

Though leaf damage is visible, the most damage is by larvae chewing shrub roots.

Easiest control: soil-applied systemic drench (click for sources) in spring.