Question
I have several holly bushes.  Some leaves and twigs on one of them are turning black, and are apparently dying.  This started a couple of months back, and the bush is now one-quarter black. The strange thing is another one next to it seems to be ok.  Would really appreciate any help you can provide.  Thanks.

Answer
Chuck,

There are 2 diseases that in this case can cause the leaves to turn black- Holly Leaf Blight and Holly Tar Spot. I think that it is more leaf blight, since it is also effecting the branches. The bad news is that there are no chemical controls that will combat these diseases.

I would recommend pruning out the effected areas, sterilizing the clippers with bleach in betwen cuts. Fertilize the plant to stimulate growth and try not to have the sprinklers hitthe foliage- this can create a perfect environment for disease production.

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen