East Palatka Holly Yellowing: Water Deeply, Less Often

15' East Palatka holly planted 3/26 (Ocala, FL). Drip 20 min/day 30 days, now alternate days. 40–50 leaves yellow/brown top to bottom. Most green. Not fertilized; told 6-6-6.

Issue: Insufficient Deep Watering

Evergreens shed leaves continuously. 20-min drip = shrub rate. Trees need deep, infrequent watering.

Method

• Hose at medium stream ~1 hour until ground soggy.
• Stop, repeat in 3–4 days (new tree).
• After few years: only drought emergency watering.

Expert insight provided by Melissa.