Boxwood blight - Ask Extension
I cut back all nine of my boxwood in the hedge so there are no leaves. I went back to the trunks. Do I have to dig them out also? I can’t get every...
Knowledgebase
Boxwood blight #928622
Asked April 16, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
I cut back all nine of my boxwood in the hedge so there are no leaves. I went back to the trunks. Do I have to dig them out also? I can’t get every single tiny leaf off the ground. I’m assuming I’m correct that it’s the blight.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Sharon and thanks for your question and picture of your boxwood leaves. This doesn't look like classic boxwood blight, but I do see signs of insect damage, both the boxwood mite and the boxwood psyllid. Since you have already cut them back so severely, I'm not sure what you will want to do.
The plants may grow back from the trunks, at which time you can watch for and treat insect infestations. Drought, too much sun and lack of water stress the plants which allows the insects to thrive.
Or you may want to dig out the roots, find a plant that would replace this hedge and start over. Some suggestions are holly, sumac, ceanothus or winter daphne. Just keep new plants well watered in dry or hot times until they are established for a few years.
Good luck to whichever you decide,
The plants may grow back from the trunks, at which time you can watch for and treat insect infestations. Drought, too much sun and lack of water stress the plants which allows the insects to thrive.
Or you may want to dig out the roots, find a plant that would replace this hedge and start over. Some suggestions are holly, sumac, ceanothus or winter daphne. Just keep new plants well watered in dry or hot times until they are established for a few years.
Good luck to whichever you decide,
