How To Save A Sky Pencil Holly

Asked June 06, 2018, 11:47 AM EDT

How-do-you-do, I accept a Japanese Holly 'Heaven Pencil' that did slap-up all throughout winter. It didn't have any winter burn or anything and and so during the windy days in early spring the backside dried out, but just a few branches, so it looks half expressionless. In that location is conflicting advice online. Some websites say to cut off dead branches other say not to trim at all. some of the branches that are dark-brown and look expressionless started sprouting new growth at the bottom of the branches and there are new branches growing from the center of the plant. My question is, should I cut off the dead looking parts of the branches? Or should I wait to run across if new growth sprouts even though it's already virtually summer? If not should I take off the expressionless leaves? I'm in zone 6a.
Thank you

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Check to be sure the browned stems are dead: Scratch the dark-brown branches and wait for dark-green tissue. If you see it, the stem is withal viable. Prune all dead stems back to good for you tissue. If they appear to exist expressionless, at that place are a couple of possible causes:

1. There is a condition that Sky Pencil Holly get called dieback. Information technology first shows up with a few branches turning brown. If the branches are not removed the dieback will spread to all other branches. Dieback results in a canker somewhere forth the stem. The herpes blocks the flow of nutrients to the branch. It'southward best to trim the entire branch off or at least clip it off nigh half-dozen" beneath the canker. The canker looks like a knotted up expanse along the stem.

2. If you tin can't find a canker, check for possible root rot or fungi. If the plant is overwatered or planted likewise deep root rot tin set in. Root rot commonly takes 2-half dozen months or longer to impale a plant. The constitute usually starts browning at the tips of the leaves. Inspect leaf margins and bases for brown spots, an indication of spider web blight. These spots spread rapidly into blackness or brown blotches that cover the entire foliage. Dead leaves normally cling to the plant rather than autumn to the ground, and the disease spreads upwardly from the bottom of the establish to the crown. Care for with a fungicide. Check to see if your new growth at the base of the found is coming from the roots (footing) or from the dark-brown branches? If from the branches, the limb itself still has some life. You lot may want to cut them back to the new growth. You could wait and meet if whatever new leaves emerge further up the limb (not likely).

The extreme oestrus and high winds we've had lately could potentially cause dessication of the leaves. If that were the case, the canes (limbs) would nevertheless be greenish when scratched and new leaves may announced. Or the loftier winds may have cleaved some stems?  Red mites and spider mites tin besides be a trouble.

If your Sky Pencil is healthy, it should put up new canes from the roots. A healthy plant assumes you have the right plant in the right place. This institute prefers light, moist, acidic soils with skillful drainage. Root rot and other problems tin can occur with heavy, wet soils. The website beneath shows some possible fungi, which are adequately easy to ID.

Source: https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=460111

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