Holly Tree – White Spots

Q: What is causing my holly tree to start dropping leaves? They have lots of little white spots on the back side.

A: It’s most likely tea scale. This is the same sap-sucking insect that occasionally infests camellias. Dry weather causes rapid leaf drop. Organic control is slow and difficult. The easiest way to manage them is to apply a systemic insecticide like Bayer Tree and Shrub or Bonide Systemic Granules.

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