Knowledgebase

Boxwoods dying #877685

Asked July 17, 2024, 4:55 PM EDT

I have a bunch of boxwoods, most all were transplanted from another area of my garden in the spring, and they are varying degrees of dead or dying. Don’t see any pest activity or lesions/cankers on the bark. Everything just looks dry! Is it drought? What should I do to save what’s left?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

It's hard to tell from the close-up images what percentage of each plant is damaged, and what pattern the dieback may have. The images shared don't point to a single issue, though environmental stress, especially given the relatively recent transplanting this past spring, is probably the main factor. Have the shrubs been regularly monitored for watering needs since they were moved? If not, re-establishment will be hindered, and this current drought will definitely be causing them stress. Boxwoods have comparatively shallow roots and have little tolerance for drought, especially if they are located in full sun. (Boxwoods do best in partial shade.)

The brown foliage will not recover, and branch tips that may have died as well (as suggested in two of these photos) will also not recuperate. All dead growth needs to be pruned off, and if lower branches or roots remain in good condition or at least alive, regrowth (albeit fairly gradual and slow-paced) may be possible, though might not occur until spring. Plants with severe damage are probably best replaced, given the pace of recovery and the fact that significant branch dieback probably was also associated with root loss.

You can explore our boxwood diagnostic page for symptom information for typical boxwood issues, but most of what we see is abiotic (not due to a pest or disease, but rather growing/environmental conditions). There does appear to be a minor amount of old Boxwood Mite leaf injury, but not enough to be worth treating.

Miri
Super grateful, thank you! 


Sent from my iPhone; please excuse my brevity and any typos!

On Jul 18, 2024, at 12:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 1:02 PM EDT

Loading ...