So what exactly is a blight?
A blight is a simplified term for a fungus that attacks plants. All plants have pest problems associated with fungus, a disease. So in the case of turf, disease examples would be snow mold, dollar spot, brown patch or pythium etc. Weather conditions drive the severity and potential for disease. Plant pathology is the study of diseases that affect plants. Again, blight is a simple all-encompassing term for a disease. It was a fungus that killed the Chestnuts. Dutch Elm Disease is a fungus that kills Elm Trees. The Wholly Adelgid on the other hand, is not a disease or blight, rather an insect.
How does it spread?
This disease originated in nursery stock, particularly on new, small boxwoods. When landscapers and garden centers purchased these shrubs to sell to customers, the infected plants were delivered and introduced the issue to new areas. Highlands, a temperate rain forest, is the ideal invironment for fungus to thrive. Think about what type of environment encourages mold and fungal growth and then think of our environment in Highlands. As I often say, the aspects of our environment that make Highlands so appealing are the same aspects that make Highlands a breeding ground for molds and fungus. It's a double edged sword. Here is the interesting part that is actually good news. Every time the wind blows, fungal spores are moving through the air, settling on plants. However, while this could certainly lead to infection, it's not likely. Where the disease is spreading is where homeowners hire a landscape company for yard work, with one of their tasks to prune boxwoods 1-2x/ year. If the landscaper doesn't clean the tools they use by soaking them in bleach or other disinfectant, the disease spreads easily. The "open wound" created by pruning boxwoods is a perfect entry point for the fungus. In a rather odd comparison, think of the early 1990's HIV prevention ads. They warned drug users of sharing needles. Well, when you hire a landscape outfit to prune boxwoods, the pruning sheers become the needle and you're "sharing" fungus with neighbors and any boxwood that came before yours. This goes for all of their tools.
What can I do?
First, consider treating your boxwoods with a systemic fungicide. Second, if you are serious about this, don't let anyone touch your boxwoods but you. Prune them yourself. Or, purchase your own pruning sheers and require the contractor to use those instead of their own. Invest is quality tools and clean them after each use. At the very least, make sure your landscape company has a policy where they clean their tools between jobs. And don't take the company owner's word for it because normally he or she may not be the one doing the work. Talk to the person doing the work. When the staff heads out in the morning, they bounce around the area, home to home, making an effort to get all the accounts taken care of. When we rush, we neglect things. Proper and thorough cleaning may be that thing. Don't let that happen to YOU!
Is the treatment effective?
If proper precautions are taken as discussed above, combined with a broad spectrum, SYSTEMIC fungicide, I personally think this isn't a major issue. However, if you have shrubs that become infected, the story changes. Weekly fungicide applications become the norm and there doesn't seem to be any kind of recipe that stops it. It's a loosing battle. A very expensive loosing battle. So again, consider working preventatively on this now! Don't wait till it's too late.
How will I know if my Boxwoods are infected?
The disease affects pachysandra ground cover in addition to boxwoods. If you notice a change in your boxwoods, take a close look at the stems. Black lines, or lesions, will be evident and obvious. Let me stress this however: I have yet to hear of a confirmed case in Highlands. There have been a couple in Wade Hampton and High Hampton in Cashiers. We know it's close and it will ultimately be in Highlands soon and that is why it is neccesary to be prepared. There very well may be a confirmed case in Highlands but I have yet to hear that.
You get what you pay for!
Know who maintains your landscape. Is it a self proclaimed professional that has a pickup and a lawnmower? Or, is it an educated professional who is keeping up with the issues facing their profession via continuing education. Is this person a liscensed pesticide applicator? Do they truly understand chemistries or base decisions off of what they hear from others. If you really don't know these answers, you are at risk, plain and simple. A lot of people in Highlands like to take the least expensive route by hiring "one of the good ole boys" or the husband of the house cleaner because, "they're really nice and need the money." These people charge less because they have no overhead. They also lack even the most basic education in Horticulture. Ask yourself if employing people like this is worth it in the long run?