Black stuff on my holly bush

What is this black stuff ( looks like sooth) on my holly bushes? First year this has happened. Bushes is about 15 yrs old.
  7 answers
  • This actually could be black sooty mold which is from an insect infestation. This does not kill the plant but you need to get some Neem Oil and spray the plant to take care of the insects or you could try to give the plants a shower with some Dawn or Ivory and wash away the bugs. Having Organic spray at home (Neem Oil) is the best thing to use for most pest infestations. Good luck
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 28, 2016
    This is the black mold which is caused from insects feeding on your hollies. You need to spray them down with horticulture out making sure you spray above and beneath the leaves. Repeated application may be necessary.
  • Barbara Barbara on Apr 28, 2016
    I had this on my hollies and it was from mealy bugs. I tried all the sprays, but the only thing that finally worked was a systemic treatment. They are finally coming back and the black stuff is finally coming off the leaves after 2 years of treatments.
  • Sherrie Slaboda Sherrie Slaboda on Apr 28, 2016
    I have a 12 year old variegated holly and found Neem works. I think I'll check my bush today.
  • Lorraine Wilson Lorraine Wilson on Apr 28, 2016
    It's the honey dew from soft scale which is an insect . They love holly's and camelia's. Neem oil works after numerous applications.
  • Cecil Cecil on Apr 28, 2016
    Aphid poop.
  • Caley's Culinaries Caley's Culinaries on Apr 30, 2016
    Honeydew! Is caused by several sucking insects. You may also find ants harvesting it because it is a sugar, so...it gets icky and the ick is black. You can spray it every day for the rest of your life with soap, or use one of the stronger things recommended by all these nice people.