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Boxwood problem #928212

Asked April 13, 2026, 10:11 AM EDT

Please see photos of my boxwoods. They looked like this last year so I treated with Acelepryn (chlorantraniliprole) pesticide and 8-0-10 fertilizer monthly last season. There were no visible bugs/moths. They look the same this Spring. What do you suggest?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. I looked over your pictures and do not see any signs of the diseases or insects that can affect boxwoods. The pictures that you sent look to be winter damage to the plants. We had lots of high winds the past 2 years, and if your boxwoods are in an area that get those high winds, that can cause the damage. On the last reference I am sending, You can wrap with burlap or put a screen up to prevent the damage from occurring. If you want to be assured that there is nothing wrong, you can go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ to have samples of your shrubs inspected by MSU. Unless you know specifically of something wrong, you might want to hold off of treating them. This can be expensive if there is no issues. Also, Acelepryn/ chlorantraniliprole is not used to treat any of the boxwoods problems. Usually, either a systemic insecticide or horticultural oil is used. Here are some publications for your reference: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/whats-wrong-with-my-boxwood-common-issues-and-solutions https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-identify-and-manage-common-problems/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/winter-burn/

Thank you for contacting us! Replied April 13, 2026, 8:24 PM EDT
Thanks Diane, I appreciate your prompt reply. I am attaching a few more photos of boxwood in a different (more sheltered) area of our yard.  Do you think these also represent winter damage?

Bob
 
Robert Coleman 
8564 Golfside Dr.
Commerce Twp, MI 48382
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On Monday, April 13, 2026 at 08:25:00 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2026, 11:50 AM EDT

Hello Mr. Coleman,

These boxwoods look like they might have a bit of winter damage, but in the first picture, it appears that they could have Boxwood psyllid. I see some puckered and cupping leaves and also the white strands that indicate the nymphs are feeding. They will not kill your plants because it is mostly aesthetic,  but you can prune out the damage terminal buds (that they are feeding on). If you want to treat them, you can use horticultural oil on them. A more aggressive approach, if the infestation is severe includes treating with bifenthrin (Talstar), malathion or oxythioquinox (Morestan). This can be done the first of May, when young psyllids are present.

I have included some publications for your reference. 

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/insects/psyllids/boxwood-psyllid

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_insect_pests

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-psyllid-insects/

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-psyllid-insects/

Let us know if we can be of further help.

Thank you for contacting us! Replied April 16, 2026, 2:45 PM EDT

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