Question
Tips of leaves are turning black. They have the same texture and finish as the rest of the leaf - just the color change. They have not had additional fertilizer.They are at the top of a slope so they probably have enough drainage and they were watered when we had dry spells. However, in zone 5 Ohio we have had periods of dry and also periods of 3 or 4 days of rain. Is there something I can do - should do, or wait until spring?

Answer
Hello Nina

Holly trees are generally pretty tough plants, but it may be that they have been under quite a lot stress this year with the alternating dry and wet spells, and that could show up as the discoloration you describe.

I'd advise you to leave the trees alone over the winter and look again once the growing season begins next spring.  I would not be at all surprised if you see a notable improvement then.