(Question)
A 10 year old boxwood hedge which has been healthy is suddenly being eaten by something. What can I do to save the hedge?
(Answer)
It is difficult to see the damage on the plant from your photograph.
Answering the following questions may help you identify what is going on with your boxwood:
- Do you think this is animal damage? ie can you see obvious “chew” marks or footprints (tracks) in the garden?
- Is there evidence of insects? Do you see anything flying around?
- Is it branches or leaves or both that are being affected?
- Can you see any discoloration in the leaves? Turning brown? yellow?
- If you see any obvious signs of insects or fungus, can you get a sample or at least a better picture to send?
- In what area of the city do you live? There is concern at the moment about a moth called the Box Tree Moth, which seems to be damaging Boxwood. This is a serious issue and there is much literature being distributed on this insect. There are protocols for dealing with this insect outlined below.
- Have you pruned your boxwood lately? Is it possible there is dieback from recent pruning?
Please review the links below and if you need further clarification, please let us know.
https://horttrades.com/tag/box%20tree%20moth
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-culture-and-diseases-including-boxwood-blight
Good luck with your boxwood dilemma and I hope it will soon be on the way to recovery.