Knowledgebase
Boxwood shrub problem identification #651900
Asked June 16, 2020, 6:13 PM EDT
I am wondering if I have boxwood blight. Can you tell me 1) is the shrub worth saving? And if so, what is that I need to do. When I shake it, I do get some small bugs or something that fly away but are too small to identify.
Thankyou.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
This does not look like boxwood blight. This looks like damage from an insect pest called the boxwood leafminer.
Here is more about it https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/boxwood-leafminer-shrubs
The least toxic way to manage this pest would be to thin and prune out damaged foliage. Do not shear. Thinning increases air circulation and lets sunlight into the plant. Thus you can avoid chemicals altogether and reduce problems for next year. Monitor the growth and you can send us photos if you notice additional symptoms. See our webpage on managing and preventing
boxwood problems and the video on how to prune. T
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-preventing-and-managing-common-pests-and-diseases
Marian
Here is more about it https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/boxwood-leafminer-shrubs
The least toxic way to manage this pest would be to thin and prune out damaged foliage. Do not shear. Thinning increases air circulation and lets sunlight into the plant. Thus you can avoid chemicals altogether and reduce problems for next year. Monitor the growth and you can send us photos if you notice additional symptoms. See our webpage on managing and preventing
boxwood problems and the video on how to prune. T
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-preventing-and-managing-common-pests-and-diseases
Marian
thank you! I was debating if it was blight or leafminer. I have been spraying neem oil on it....is that still a good option in addition to the steps you suggested?
No neem oil is recommended.
Marian
Marian
