Holly Tree problem

Posts

• bertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697

  March 2021 edited March 2021

  One of our holly trees is regular pruned back to keep it at a good height (for us).

  We have others that we leave to do their own thing and yes leaves do fall off as they get older.

  Could this just be an older tree dropping leaves as they should?

  Whilst everygreen plants are everygreen they do drop leaves as they get older.
  

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• WillowBark Posts: 243

  March 2021

  How big is the tree? If it is a large tree, it could be that the upper canopy is starting to shade out the lower canopy. In that scenario, many trees redirect their resources to supporting more productive branches that are still photosynthesising well (so the ones higher up). Some species do this more & better than others, so that might not be the case for your tree, but it might be a possible explanation.
  
  However, if there are other symptoms or the leaves look strange then there may be something else at play, it's hard to tell from just a description.
  
  Would you be able to upload a photo? Photos are often more useful than just a description, as then people can actually see what you're seeing. There are lots of really experienced gardeners on here (way more experienced than me), so hopefully someone will be able to offer advice.

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• chtranter Posts: 2

  March 2021

  Thanks.The leaves don't look unusual but I'll try to upload a photo and post tomorrow 

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• paul.doherty5889385 Posts: 1

  October 2023

  Over the Thirty-Four years of occupancy here in our home, Holly trees we have had on a north week lit south facing situation to our Cardiff suburb garden have always been a consistent 'berrier' and well leaved, shedding only at the normal time of year.With berry clusters very 'full' and prolific providing winter feed for Blackbirds, Thrushes; Song and Mistle, come the Scandinavian Winter we have flocks of Redwings to feed on that which the Wood Pigeons, pendulously have been unable to reach!
  
  The seeds having been 'passed' after feeding have also given the wood/tree mice who reside in the extensive root systems and bank where the Hollys, we believe originally formed from a hedge ancient and bounding an area, formerly field; now Park, which had also in it's previous state, been cultivated during the 1940's 'Dig for Victory' campaign! 
  
  To return to the present again, this year from about August we have seen a dramatic leaf loss to some of the trees, leaving branches straggling, devoid, except for the clusters of berries, some of which in their entirety turning from Bright lustrous red, to a dull hue then yellow/browning and now some completely 'blackened'!!
  
  See embedded images:
  
  Apologies for the orientation.... but looking closely at the second image, more or less centrally you will observe one of a now numerous number of 'blackened' clusters which are randomly distributed throughout the individual neighbouring trees and branches.
  
  P.S. the moss covered, east facing roof to the Garden out building has ever been thus, dried and diminished in the heat of the Summer sun and healthily verdant restored come Autumn and the Winter.
  
  Q: Is this the end of our beloved; by us and all the wildlife visitors, Holly Trees.....? Will the trees restore come Spring....please??!
  
  Thank you,
  Paul 

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