Diagnosing Random Branch Death on Holly: Anthracnose vs. Botryosphaeria Canker

Two Likely Culprits

Anthracnose: Tan-brown leaf blotches with pink-orange spores; shoot dieback on 'Burford'. Treat with Daconil 2787 (2 tbsp/gal) every 7–14 days from late spring. Prune diseased limbs.
Botryosphaeria Canker: Yellowing, leaf drop, sunken cracked bark on girdled limbs after temperature extremes/drought. No fungicide. Manage by: fall planting, soil amendment, raised beds on wet sites, mulching, watering during drought, pruning to green wood.

General Prevention

Water early (1–7 AM) or midday to minimize leaf wetness. Maintain soil fertility/pH. Choose adapted cultivars. Destroy fallen leaves if severe.