The American holly is a mid-sized evergreen tree with grayish bark, clusters of yellow-green leaves, and small red berry-shaped fruits. An American holly is a great alternative to the traditional evergreens particularly if you are working with a smaller yard that couldn't accommodate a sprawling pine tree. If you have an American holly tree or wish to add the tree to your yard, it is important to learn proper maintenance to keep the tree looking healthy for years to come. Here are some potential pests
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are neither flies nor fully white but are still one of the more common problems to plague an American holly tree. These aphid-like pests are tiny with yellow bodies and white wings. The whiteflies target the leaves of the holly tree and suck out the sap so that the leaves begin to wither. The whiteflies simultaneously release a sticky substance that can cause a black fuzzy mold forms on the surface of the leaves.
Treatment for whiteflies is best done before the problem progresses too far. You need to call in a tree service company to both apply strategic uses of insecticide and to prune away any leaves that have already suffered from the whitefly infestation.
Root Rot
The fungus-borne tree disease known as "root rot" causes the roots of the tree to slowly wither and potentially die due to malnutrition. The problem can be hard to spot initially as the symptoms first appear underground. But the rot will eventually start to cause the leaves to turn yellow then brown and fall off the tree. Severe root rot can cause the tree to fall over if a strong wind hits and the roots are too weak to hold the tree's weight. There is no cure for root rot.
American holly trees are moderately resistant to root rot but if the tree does develop this condition, you will need to call in a tree removal company to fully remove the tree and its surrounding dirt. Leaving the tree in place can risk spreading the disease to other trees.
Canker Disease
Canker disease is so named because open, canker-like sores will appear on the tree's bark. The sores can turn black on the inside and ooze a smelly goo. Cankers will only form on branches that have suffered previous damage and can cause the branch and its supported leaves to wither.
If you spot signs of canker disease, call in a tree trimming service to carefully remove the affected branches. You want to avoid causing any accidental damage to other branches because that will allow the canker to spread further on the tree. For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at Destiny's Tree Service LLC.
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