FAQs

What about boxwood blight?

Since boxwood blight was discovered in the United States over 12 years ago, much of the hysteria surrounding the disease has settled down. It turns out that boxwood blight is not a death sentence for your boxwood, it is merely a “management” and “cultural” issue. What do I mean by that? Well, if you approach boxwood blight like you would approach any other boxwood disease or ailment then you are well on your way to having a beautiful boxwood that will last for generations to come! Just like any healthy boxwood requires annual routine maintenance such as trimming, fertilization, lime, and insect control; boxwoods also require blight prevention/suppression/protection treatment on a regular basis, especially through the warm and wet periods of the year. This usually ends up being July and August when afternoon thunderstorms are prevalent and temperatures are in the 90s or higher. This treatment is spraying your boxwoods on a monthly basis with common and safe fungicides and increasing the frequency of treatments during the ideal blight condition summer months to every 10-14 days. Use a drip irrigation instead of overhead irrigation.

Are Boxwoods drought tolerant?

Yes! Boxwoods can do well and get through drought and dry times. But, they must be well established and have roots that have developed and matured in their current home. Newly planted boxwoods are NOT drought tolerant and must be watered daily to help them stay hydrated, put out new roots, and become acclimated to their new home. This is where an irrigation system can come in handy if you are not up for daily, hand watering. Just remember, a drip irrigation system is required, not an overhead or sprinkler irrigation system.

Are Boxwoods hard to maintain?

When boxwoods are first planted in your garden or landscape, some diligence is needed to ensure they make it through the transplanting process. Water is the key! When we transplant boxwoods, we literally flood the hole with water before we add the dirt back into the hole, and finish planting the boxwood. In other words, we dig the hole, put the boxwood/root ball in the hole, stabilize the boxwood with dirt in the hole so it is standing upright in the hole, and then we literally put the hose on the root ball and turn the water on. We don’t turn the water off until it is overflowing out of the hole. Once the water is turned off, we give time for the boxwood’s root ball to be like a sponge and soak in all the water it can and for the dirt in the hole to also become saturated.

After the boxwood and root ball have had time to soak, we then “kick” back in the dirt into the hole, tamp and press the dirt with our fee

Do Boxwoods like sun or shade?

Boxwoods do best in partly shady areas, where they receive morning sunlight and protection from harsh afternoon heat that can cause their roots to dry out. They can handle full sunlight, especially if their roots are kept moist in the afternoon sun; however, excessive sun exposure can cause sunscald to the foliage and can leave a bronze-orange color on the leaves.

When is the best time to plant boxwoods?

The best time to plant boxwoods is in early spring, when the weather is still cool. Giving the plant and its roots time to grow and strengthen before the harsh summer sun and heat. During the establishment phase, consistent watering is necessary to help the plant develop. Once established, the plant becomes much more weather-tolerant and requires less attention.

Is October too late to plant boxwoods?

October is not too late to plant boxwoods! Early spring, fall, and late winter are great times to plant boxwoods in NY. You’ll want to avoid planting boxwoods in the middle of summer and winter because the plant is not strong enough to tolerate the harsh summer heat and winter cold. However, fall is a great time to plant boxwoods, giving the plant’s roots time to grow and establish before the harsh winter weather.

Can Boxwoods survive winter?

New boxwood transplants might need winter protection for the first couple of years, but once they’re grown and well established, boxwoods are very hardy and can handle most winters. During harsh winters, they may discolor, but due to new growth, they will return to their original color in spring.

How to bring dying boxwoods back to life

To help dying boxwoods regrow and come back to life, remove the dead branches and cut back to the living tissue to make room for new growth in the spring. If the weather is dry and hot make sure to water it and keep it from drying out.

Why are Boxwoods so expensive?

Size and age play a part in the cost of boxwoods, as does availability. Older boxwoods that are stronger, have been pruned over the years, and have grown into their shape will probably be more expensive than smaller, younger shrubs. Boxwood breeds that are more exotic to your area may cost more than breeds that are more available to your area. And if the market for boxwoods is high in your area they will be more expensive than where the market is low.

What animal eats Boxwoods?

Boxtree moth caterpillars feed on Boxwood leaves and can cause excessive damage and even kill boxwoods. To prevent moth damaige you can use insecticides and remove the infested part of the shrub.

What is the average lifespan of a boxwood shrub?

Depending on the quality of care they receive, boxwoods are capable of living between 50 and 100 years. Many boxwoods are recorded for living even longer!

What is the most low-maintenance shrub?

Boxwoods are one of the most low-maintenance shrubs, making them a staple for many homes. They need minimal watering and are weather-hardy and do well in shady areas. Once shaped and established, they are able to hold their shape while only being trimmed once or twice a year.

What kills Boxwood shrubs?

Boxwood blight is one of the main threats to boxwoods. Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that is fast spreading and causes defoliation, leaf spots, and plant death. Box moth caterpillars are an invasive species that feed on boxwood leaves and can cause excessive damage that can lead to plant death.

Do Boxwoods Have a Deep Root System?

Boxwoods generally don”t have a deep root system, their depth is normally 12 to 18 inches under the soil, and they don’t usually reach 2 feet. Instead of the roots growing deep in the soil, they grow laterally and reach up to 2 times the width of the shrub. The horizontal growth helps the plant receive water and nutrients.

Do I need to water my boxwoods every day?

When the boxwood is small and doesn’t have an established root system, your plant will need consistent watering, though once or twice a week should be enough. Only if the weather is extremely dry and hot for a long period of time should you water it every day. The best time to water it is in the early morning, giving the roots time to soak up the water before the sun dries it. Once your boxwood is established, it will need much less watering. Depending on the weather, you may not need to water it weekly unless dry and hot. Overwatering can cause root rot.

What are the disadvantages of boxwoods?

Boxwoods are susceptible to fungal diseases and may need to be sprayed with fungicides to prevent damage. They are also toxic to pets if eaten. If they are over-watered or not drained properly, they can get root rot, which is when the soil around the roots is soggy and doesn’t drain properly, which will lead to the roots being attacked by fungus and bacteria. This can be prevented by not over-watering and by planting your boxwood where the soil drains well and water won’t pool.

Can you put hydrangeas in front of boxwoods?

Boxwoods and hydrangeas are great plants to pair with each other! They balance each other very well, with the classic simplicity of the boxwood shrub and the bright vibrance of the hydrangeas. They also thrive in a similar environment of partial shade and well-draining soil.