![]() Always follow label recommendations for correct application rates to prevent over-fertilization. To prevent further fertilizer damage, flush the soil with clean water to push the excess salts deeper into the ground, out of the root zone. High levels of salts in the tissue also cause toxicity and cellular death. Fertilizer toxicity leads to salt buildup in the soil, which can “burn” the roots and create an imbalance in water potential, making it hard for the plant to take in water. The main problem with fertilizer damage is the chemical salts found in the products. A formulation with micronutrients is preferred if available. To treat nutrient deficiency, apply a quick-release, water-soluble fertilizer to the soil or via foliar application at recommended dosage rates listed on the product label. In severe cases, the plant can’t perform its metabolic functions, and cellular death occurs. Nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, result in impaired photosynthesis, decreased growth, and other symptoms. These essential plant nutrients have different roles within the plant and are necessary in varying amounts. There are specific nutrients needed for plant growth. You can treat the remaining soil and neighboring plants with a prophylactic fungicide to prevent infection. Once Phytophthora fungi infect a plant, you must remove it from the ground along with the soil, and both disposed of properly. After infection, the roots rot, and the plant cannot take in water and nutrients, making the shrub appear to be wilting. Infection commonly occurs in the spring and fall when the soil is wet and temperatures are between 57☏ to 70☏. It affects boxwood shrubs’ roots, stems, and leaves. Phytophthora root rot is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora parasitica. Make sure they are getting enough water and fertilizer and are pruned regularly. The best way to prevent boxwood decline is to keep your plants thriving and healthy. The disease also harbors in the soil, so a boxwood planted in the same spot will also become infected. It commonly occurs in the English boxwood, Buxus sempervirens ‘suffruticosa,’ and then spreads to neighboring boxwoods of the same variety. Insulate the soil with a couple of inches of mulch or organic matter.īoxwood decline is a complex condition that appears as weak growth, discoloration of leaves, and dieback of branches.Keep shrubs well-watered during the winter.There is no cure for winter burn once it occurs, so prevention is critical. Cold injury damage occurs more often in full sun locations and places with no shelter from the wind. The resulting desiccation leads to browning, yellowing, or bronzing of the foliage. Winter burn occurs when freezing temperatures and cold winter winds remove more water from the leaves than the plant can pull in from the frozen soil. If caught early, prune off diseased branches and remove any leaf litter on the soil surface. Unfortunately, boxwood blight isn’t treatable, so it’s crucial to prevent it from infecting your plants. Blackening of the stems or blackish stem lesions.Circular, tan leaf spots with a brown or dark purple border.Once a shrub is infected, the disease causes rapid leaf drop and other telltale symptoms on all plant portions above the soil line. The disease is common in areas with high humidity and is particularly aggressive when shrubs are planted too close together. ![]() Boxwood Blightīoxwood blight is a relatively new pathogenic disease caused by the fungus, Calonectria pseudonaviculata. Biotic stresses are caused by living organisms, including bacteria, insects, viruses, and weeds. Abiotic stresses are problems that are non-living in their origins, such as drought, cold temperatures, fertilizer damage, and soil pH. Problems with boxwoods can be broken down into two main categories: abiotic and biotic stressors. You may need to reach out for professional help if you can’t determine the problem independently. Common reasons for death include environmental conditions, biotic stressors, and abiotic stressors. Determine the Reason It Is Dyingīefore you try to revive your struggling shrub, you must take the time to figure out why the boxwood is dying and solve the underlying problem. There are many different reasons why your plant could be dying, and depending upon the cause, you may be able to revive it before it perishes completely. A dying boxwood-whether it is growing out in a hedgerow or planted alongside the foundation of your house-doesn’t always mean you will need a replacement shrub. ![]()
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