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Boxwood problem #929711

Asked April 26, 2026, 8:20 PM EDT

My boxwoods took a beating this winter. I was in Florida for 3 months and when I came back the snow burn on them was unbelievable. I had put wilt Pruf on and wrapped in burlap. My landscaper suggested trim and fertilize but they look awful.

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Your picture certainly looks like Winter damage rather than some other cause.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/whats-wrong-with-my-boxwood-common-issues-and-solutions                                                                           https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood-diagnostic-tool-helps-michigan-homeowners-protect-landscapes

Pruning out truely dead parts of the plants and providing for optimal growth is what you can now do.                                        https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-winter-injury-boxwood

https://betterboxwood.com/blogs/care-and-planting-tips/winter-recovery-caring-for-cold-damaged-boxwoods?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=<personal data hidden>&gbraid=0AAAAA9Xji2LoUny23HudtVEERqIu3PHGw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkrzPBhCqARIsAJN460l_NcAYHhBWQBBlCx16tiaKHAMZ1TFEZIhVGh8TtMTVlCRgvFOVG04aAl_pEALw_wcB

Some Boxwood cultivars are more or less Winter hardy, and some Winters are worse than others.https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/broadleaf-evergreen-shrubs-iowa

Thank you for your question!   Robert S. - Michigan State University Advanced Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied April 27, 2026, 12:37 PM EDT

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