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Photo By: Langlois, Page
boxwood
Photo By: Langlois, Page
boxwood
Photo By: Langlois, Page
Dan,
I'd appreciate any help/advice you can offer. I have a row of 3.5 feet high boxwoods running along the front of the house which faces east. In the last couple of weeks I've noticed some browning and thinning on the section to the left of my front door. The right side seems to be okay for now.
I was hoping that based on the pictures you could tell what the issue may be. And if the problem is irreversible, can you offer some plant suggestions for a formal looking hedge?
Thanks for your time, Joe S.
The pictures indicate a spider mite infestation. Spider mites are very tiny arachnids (spider relatives) that attack the foliage. The symptoms start off as small light specks in the leaves that grow increasingly numerous (called stippling). The foliage eventually begins to look dusty, faded and unhealthy - and then the leaves die and turn tan.
I think the affected boxwoods will likely recover, although there may be some dieback.
To control the spider mites, spray the damaged boxwood hedge with a light horticultural oil (Year Round Spray Oil, All Seasons Oil, Organocide and other brands). Make 3 applications following label directions. It is likely optional whether or not to spray the side with the healthy looking boxwood hedge.
I'm surprised at the timing of the damage. Spider mites are discouraged by rainy weather and we have certainly seen more than our share of that these past few weeks. Is there an overhang sheltering these boxwoods from the rain?
Dan Gill
Consumer Horticulture Specialist
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture