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Holly Nellie Stephens - Light Green Leaves

WhalehqWhalehq Posts: 14
in Plants
Hi I've got 3 holly Nellie Stevens trees in a row. 2 out of the three look the same with nice glossy leaves but the thirds leaves have started to go a a light green colour.

I read that this lightening is potentially something do with acidity in the soil but am unsure this is the issue in my garden given the colouring of the other 2 trees.

All three are planted around 500mm off a wall (from memory). The only difference with the light green tree is that it is planted around 750mm from a patio, it also has a relatively deep gouge across around a third of its circumference.

I'm not sure if it is distressed or potentially on its way out but I'm keen to intervene before it gets worse. 

If it is the patio should I dig down and improve the soil with say compost and fertiliser or will time naturally direct the roots into the garden?

thanks 

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Whalehq How long ago did you plant them? It can often happen with hedging too one plant doesn't do as well. Do you have a photo? It could be it is struggling at the roots. Replanting is last resort, hollies can be shocked by replanting and drop their leaves.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • WhalehqWhalehq Posts: 14
    It's quite hard to tell buts it's the closest tree you see here. Not terribly concerned about the yellow leaves as this happened to a few last year - unless I should be I suppose.

    Planted them in March 2021 it's actually the most mature of the three in that the diameter of its stem is largest.
  • WhalehqWhalehq Posts: 14

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
     @Whalehq Evergreens do loose leaves all year round and particularly Apl/May so as you say a normal process.
    Is the wall stepped? It may get the least rain of the three. The planting distance from the wall would seem fine but they are large specimens.
    The deep gouge is a possible concern, I am hoping other posters will be able to help with that, many plants happily recover but it is an opportunity for pest/ disease.

    This kind of problem is never straight forward as we don't know what is happening below ground. Hope more help is on it's way.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • WhalehqWhalehq Posts: 14
    Thanks that could be it alright I'll give it a good watering. 

    I know it won't be waterlogged as the water drained freely from the hole I dug for it

    I've read that it could be a number of things so I've ordered a soil testing kit online. I'm thinking the soil maybe a slightly different consistency in that area but we'll see.

    Thanks for the replies 
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