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Boxwood need help #875568

Asked July 01, 2024, 8:35 PM EDT

Will you please look at the following pictures and help me identify the issues with my boxwoods?

Macomb County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Connie, thanks for the question.

The cupping in the first picture appears to be a psyllid infestation.  These little critters hide under the cupped leaves to feed so you may not see them.  They like the new growth which can be stimulated by shearing. You can trim off the cupped leaves for aesthetic purposes and provide for beneficials to flourish.  Insecticides can be used but it can be difficult to get to the pests that are protected by the leaves.  

Some of the other damage may be leafminers.  Once these get inside the leaf, chemical control will not work. Shearing the plants before the adult emerges may be an option; however, it may be too late for this year.

The yellow/dead branch could be one of many problems.  Prune it out and examine it for possible disease or pest issues. 

Check out the following links.

Boxwood insect pests - MSU Extension

Boxwood Psyllid (psu.edu)

Boxwood Leafminer (psu.edu)

Boxwood: Boxwood psyllid | Hortsense | Washington State University (wsu.edu)

Boxwood: Boxwood leafminer | Hortsense | Washington State University (wsu.edu)

I hope this helps.



An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT

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