Why Is Our Florida Holly Tree Losing All of Its Leaves?
The Florida holly tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is a small evergreen with growth resembling a shrub. This tree has several common names, such as Brazilian pepper, Christmas berry and pepper tree. Although it is a hardy, invasive specimen, Florida holly suffers from environmental or disease conditions, which cause leaf drop and other symptoms of poor health. Does this Spark an idea?
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Natural Shedding
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Like other evergreens, Florida holly trees shed some leaves every year as part of a natural lifecycle. Unlike their deciduous relatives, these trees drop their leaves throughout the year. Although evergreen trees don't change the color of their foliage or drop all their leaves at once, they still experience leaf shed. They can lose up to half of their leaves in just a few months, leaving the tree looking bare and unhealthy. Occasionally, the tree loses all its leaves. This type of leaf drop does not pose a danger to the tree. New leaves usually grow in to fill the bare patches. A shedding Florida holly tree that does not show signs of new leaf growth may have a condition requiring treatment.
Drought
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Florida holly trees require moist soil conditions. Although these trees grow in a variety of soils, they prefer marshes and wetlands, often invading these areas and wiping out other trees and shrubs. Prolonged periods without water causes a Florida holly tree to shed leaves and stop growing. Recreating their natural environment by keeping the soil evenly damp, especially during the heat of summer, helps resolve leaf drop due to drought.
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Sunlight Factors
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Too much shade leads to a foliage reduction. Florida holly trees require adequate amounts of sunlight to perform at an optimal level. A larger tree forming a dense, overhead canopy blocks the sunlight from these smaller trees, causing the leaves to take on a pale color and fall from the tree. Pruning the overhead canopy helps provide additional sunlight necessary for healthy growth.
Pests and Disease
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Borers are insects that tunnel into the leaf stalks, causing the loss of leaves in small areas, rather than evenly throughout the tree. This condition usually resolves itself after a couple weeks. Fungal diseases causes Florida holly trees to lose their leaves, but spotting and discoloration often accompany this type of leaf drop. Fungicide sprays and soil drenches help minimize damage due to fungal conditions. Pruning the canopy to promote airflow also helps reduce fungal growth in these trees.
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References
Resources
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