help please: yellow/brown leaves on boxwood

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VegGarden Saint Paul, MN May 23, 2009

We have several boxwoods about 3 ft tall. Last year one had a few pale yellow leaves for several inches on the ends of a few branches. This spring, that boxwood is suddenly pale yellow/brown over about half the bush, progressed to that extent in just the space of a week or so. Any way to rescue it?

At first I thought maybe we overwatered it, after googling problems with boxwoods. But the ones next to it are mostly green; I would think that if it was overwatering, they'd be dying too.

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) May 24, 2009

I understand there is a "boxwood decline" which kills boxwood. But another thought is the location. Often a row of boxwoods may make a hedge, and one or two start to die. The soil may have been different in that area and held water (clay) or perhaps that is where the water runs off the roof or gutter when it rains - overwatering that plant. Perhaps there is a barrier that keeps the water from draining off- like an edger of some sort. Boxwoods planted between houses and sidewalks often have problems because the water can't drain away.

You can check the roots to see if they are rotting. They will be black and mushy and you will be able to remove the outer layer with your fingers. Healthy roots are tan. And while you're there, you can feel the soil and check to see if it is wet.

Are there any dogs that are using the boxwood as a urinal? That will do it too.

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