Interior Browning on Pencil Hollies: Check Watering and Drainage

Lower Leaf Drop = Root Zone Issue

When pencil hollies lose leaves at the bottom and inside while the top grows, it’s usually a water or drainage problem.

Immediate Checks

• Ensure deep, infrequent irrigation (not daily light sprinkling).
• Verify the soil drains well—no standing water.

Get a Professional Opinion

Snip a few brown twigs and take them to a garden center. A physical sample often reveals problems (root rot, nematodes, etc.) that photos can’t.