Holly leaves and berries

Question: Hello! I am seeing two things going on with my three holly trees: yellow leaves and black spots on the berries. The trees were planted late last spring by the developer, and these issues have appeared before, but seem worse now. Could you please let me know the issues and how I might take care of them? I've attached photos for your reference. Thank you very much!

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied April 29, 2024, 5:08 PM EDT
response: Can you upload a photo of your overall tree(s) so I can see if there is a pattern and the overall fullness of the trees.  Also can you upload the back of a leaf that is yellow, one that has the black spots on it and the one that has the light brown patch with the dark ring.  I am looking for three different things, 2 fungal and evidence of a leafminer.  Have you had a soil test done before these plants were planted last spring and have you fertilized these trees at all and if so, when and with what?

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 30, 2024, 9:50 AM EDT
response: Hello Judy, Thank you very much for your response and questions. I have attached two photos: one gives you the overall view; in the second, the leaf on the left most closely matches the light brown patch/ring you asked about, and on the right is the back of a speckled leaf. (Sorry, I didn't keep the original leaves.)Here's what I know about trees: They were planted by the developer (whose primary business is landscaping) before we moved in. I don't know if the developer took a soil test or applied fertilizer. We used Old Farmers Almanac Fertilizer Spikes in the late summer. We didn't receive any instructions on how to care for these trees (we moved from a wooded area, so never really planted a tree before. Nature did it.). So, we greatly appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you!!Sheilahttps://www.amazon.com/Old-Farmers-Almanac-Fertilizer-Spikes/dp/B08RHS4Q88/ref=asc_df_B08RHS4Q88/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=<personal data hidden>5&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=<personal data hidden>016558694&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007517&hvtargid=pla<personal data hidden>735&mcid=b2480e8770b73022a081c24c992187c0&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrcKxBhBMEiwAIVF8rFQnvwKU2Oro5ErWJSKfOvcesI3yc1QjvpHqUBCX82IuoVpges7ZQxoC2PYQAvD_BwE&th=1 On Mon, Apr 29, 2024 at 5:08 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied May 02, 2024, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Sheila,  Only the photo of the leaves came through so I would still like to see a photo of the overall plant. First, some yellowing of leaves in spring is normal, which is why I want to see the entire tree to determine if this is normal or not. Second, I believe from the leaves and berries you could have holly tar spot which is a fungal disease, not unusual given the wet spring we have had up until the last week.  A sample brought in to the county extension office and sent to our pathology lab is the only firm way to determine this. Please submit in a zip lock bag a small branch with some of the affected leaves still attached.  If there are yellowed leaves that have fallen or ones with the light brown spot, add them to the bag.  I have attached a plant sample form for you to fill out.  The more details about watering, light, soil, fertilization you can include the easier the lab determination of all problems will be. Staple tot he bag and let me know what county you are in & I will provide an address where you can take it.  Then, I also think there is holly leaf miner present, an insect.  I have attached a link to a publication on Holly Leaf Miner which will also cause yellowing and leaf fall.  The adults should be emerging from the leaf in Mid May. To confirm the larvae presence, squeeze a leaf that has the slightly raised ridge on the back (as in the photo) and see if there are small larvae present between the leaf layers.https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/insects/flies/holly-leaf-miner I believe this system is down tonight for maintenance but I will check again in the morning.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2024, 5:40 PM EDT
response: Here is the photo of the overall plants. We will work on your other recommendations. Thanks!On Thu, May 2, 2024, 5:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied May 03, 2024, 8:53 PM EDT
response: The file you are trying to attach is too large for our system. Can you email it to <personal data hidden>?

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied May 13, 2024, 8:48 AM EDT
response: Sheila,  The file you are trying to attach is too large for our system. Can you email it to <personal data hidden>? Or try zipping it or attaching it as a smaller file.