First post and newbie home owner/gardner. Trying to save a Japanese Pencil Holly from dying (or at least I think so).

I noticed that one of its branches has dried up and is limping off to the side. I've also noticed some browning on the tips of the leaves at the canopy (top of the holly).

This holly was planted last year during the late summmer and is now starting to show these symptoms (before that it looked great).

I have EarthCare coming sometime to give this and other shrubs/trees a root feeding. Should I also invest in some holly-tone and apply after the root feeding? Or this basically the same thing as a root feeding? Should I just stick with the holly-tone and not bother with the root feeding?

Any information/advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance!

I'm in the South Short of Long Island.

With the recent rains and wild temperature swings, I'm wondering if it isn't root rot due to poor drainage or a small root ball?

A light mulch, particularly something on the acidic side like oak leaves, won't hurt either.

Hope this helps!

Jim