Hedge Decline in Georgia: Need Professional ID

Your large hedge with pale, dry new shoots and tiny brown spots that rub off needs species identification first. "Box with larger leaves" could be Japanese holly, dwarf yaupon, privet, or others—each has different pests/diseases.

Possible Issues

• Spider mites (brown stippling, fine webbing, worse in dry heat).
• Scale insects (brown bumps that rub off, honeydew, sooty mold).
• Fungal leaf spot (brown spots with yellow halos).
• Root stress from last year's drought.

Action Plan

1. Contact GA Forestry Commission or County Extension for free site visit.
2. Bring samples: Affected leaves, stems, and photos of whole hedge.
3. Don't guess-spray—wrong treatment wastes time and may harm beneficials.

Accurate ID is the only path to effective treatment. Use the free expert service.