Question
QUESTION: I live in middle TN and we planted in May, 2009 a 5'-6' Oakleaf Holly tree in our front bed. It has appeared to be thriving with blooms earlier and bright green leaves demonstrating growth. I have just noticed black or dark brown clumps on all the stems just where the leaves attach...it almost looks like clumps of dirt. Is this a disease?!?

ANSWER: Adelaide:
Can you send me a closeup photo of this "dirt"? Also see if it rubs off with a wet paper towel. If it does, it may be a problem called "sooty mold".

Steve

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Oakleaf Holly   QUESTION: Here is a 2nd photo of the 'dirt clumps'
It does come off -- even with my fingers, but a lot of it!

Answer
Adelaide:
I don't think this "stuff" is caused by a harmful insect, but merely a small nest that may be harboring something like baby spiders etc. It is definitely not sooty mold as originally mentioned. If it is unsightly to you, I'd try just using a high pressure water stream from your garden hose to wash this stuff out of the twigs/leaves.
Regards
Steve