So glad to find this informative group. Thanks for accepting me as a member. My question: We moved into a 40+ year old home last May and I was thrilled to find a 20 ft Holly tree outside of my kitchen window. It lost the red berries during the summer and bloomed with fresh beautiful red berries this past winter. The North East US had a very hard winter and now my wonderful holly tree has numerous small clumps of brown dead leaves. It is sprouting new growth at the ends of most branches, so the tree as a hole seems fine. I was wondering if it was the hard winter that has caused this or if the pH of the ground could have suddenly after so many years, changed. I have not ever been much of a gardener, but I love this tree and want to keep it healthy. Do I need to fertilize? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for your rapid reply. That is what my husband was saying, but I so want to take good care of this natural treasure that came with our "new to us" home.