Brown foliage on boxwood - Ask Extension
A large portion of my boxwood has brown foliage with no new growth. Green foliage have brown spots, but there is new growth. Photos attached. What's g...
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Brown foliage on boxwood #829130
Asked May 09, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
A large portion of my boxwood has brown foliage with no new growth. Green foliage have brown spots, but there is new growth. Photos attached. What's going on and what should I do going forward?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello!
I'm sorry your boxwoods are not doing well.
There are a number of things that could be going on. The browning leaves could be caused by winter damage (ice, snow, wind), an issue with your soil (compaction or missing nutrients), fertilizer damage, or drought/heat stress. The spots indicate that they could have blight damage. If that is the case, the infected areas should be removed and destroyed (do not compost).
I recommend having a soil test done to make sure your soil isn't missing any nutrients. It it is, follow the recommendations to amend the soil. Here is information on soil testing: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
I'm including a few links to articles that may help you identify the issue. Once you are sure of the cause, you will be able to move forward with a management/control plan.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/boxwood-diseases-insect-pests/
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-identify-and-manage-common-problems
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/boxwood-diseases-insect-pests/
If you are still unable to identify the issue, you may want to take a sample to your local Extension Office (see below for the link to find your local office).
I hope this helps!
I'm sorry your boxwoods are not doing well.
There are a number of things that could be going on. The browning leaves could be caused by winter damage (ice, snow, wind), an issue with your soil (compaction or missing nutrients), fertilizer damage, or drought/heat stress. The spots indicate that they could have blight damage. If that is the case, the infected areas should be removed and destroyed (do not compost).
I recommend having a soil test done to make sure your soil isn't missing any nutrients. It it is, follow the recommendations to amend the soil. Here is information on soil testing: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
I'm including a few links to articles that may help you identify the issue. Once you are sure of the cause, you will be able to move forward with a management/control plan.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/boxwood-diseases-insect-pests/
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-identify-and-manage-common-problems
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/boxwood-diseases-insect-pests/
If you are still unable to identify the issue, you may want to take a sample to your local Extension Office (see below for the link to find your local office).
I hope this helps!
