Boxwood Blight in our Area
Why your boxwoods may be losing their leaves
Two closely related fungi are the source of the current blight that is affecting boxwoods and pachysandras in our region and across the country as a whole, where warm and humid summer weather has contributed to the epidemic. These fungi and their sticky spores spread easily and effectively, surviving in soil and plant debris, and can overwinter in dead leaves for years. Though rarely killing the boxwood, the disease blights the shrub, which eventually leads to defoliation. Researchers have been looking into ways to address this problem from disinfecting the soil, experimenting with fungicides, and suggesting a layer of clean mulch to reduce dispersal of the disease by way of rain splash.
Solutions for Next Steps
The professional at Gerbert & Sons will evaluate your boxwoods and pachysandra to determine the best course of treatment or suggest alternative plantings that are not susceptible to this disease. Diseased plants should be removed and disposed of properly, and never added to compost.
A Note on These Snowy/Icy Days
Please remember to continue to use salt safely for ice removal to protect people, pets and the environment.
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