Thursday, July 20, 2017

Boxwood Blight Update


I'm asked frequently about the Boxwood Blight and if there have been any cases this year.  I regularly ask a few landscape contractors about their experience and to my knowledge there is only one confirmed case of the blight and it is on HCC property.  We are treating Club boxwoods on a 14-21 day interval now depending on environmental conditions.  If it is raining, I tighten that window.  If it is sunny and dry, I may squeeze 21 days between applications.  I am surprised there isn't more cases given the "normal" Highlands weather we've had this summer to date.  Again, you need to consider treating your Boxwoods every 14-21 days during the growing season with a fungicide.  Otherwise, your shrubs are exposed to being infected by this fungus.  The death is extremely rapid with boxwoods declining in a very short period; sometimes in as little as a few days or a week.  Once infected, there is really nothing that can be done.  The objective is to effectively treat shrubs preventatively so they are protected from the fungus.  If you need more information on which products to apply, I'll be happy to provide you with that information.  All products are available locally, at Reeve's Hardware.