Boxwood turning brown? - Ask Extension
Hi! I recently noticed the shrubs in our front yard (I think they are boxwoods) are looking poorly. They are browning (fairly uniformly all over, not ...
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Boxwood turning brown? #928730
Asked April 17, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT
Hi! I recently noticed the shrubs in our front yard (I think they are boxwoods) are looking poorly. They are browning (fairly uniformly all over, not in patches). I'm attaching a few pictures, from a distance and close-up.
We are actually in the process of getting ready to move and sell our home. I'm wondering if you know what is wrong with them and if there is anything we could do in the next few weeks to help them begin to recover.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Boxwoods have several pest and disease issues, some are fatal to the shrubs, some require yearly and properly timed chemical treatment to control.
The fastest way to improve the property is to remove the shrubs and put in something else. It would also be the best long term plan, since boxwoods are no longer recommend because of their pest and disease issues.
Recommended replacements- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/beyond-boxwood-alternative-landscape-shrubs-for-michigan-gardeners
Your pictures look like boxwood leaf miner damage. To control it there are insecticides you may apply. Please read and follow all precautions and directions on any garden chemicals you use. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_leafminer_a_serious_pest_of_a_favorite_landscape_plant
Here is a bulletin summarizing many of the issues with boxwood- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_insect_pests
Boxwoods have several pest and disease issues, some are fatal to the shrubs, some require yearly and properly timed chemical treatment to control.
The fastest way to improve the property is to remove the shrubs and put in something else. It would also be the best long term plan, since boxwoods are no longer recommend because of their pest and disease issues.
Recommended replacements- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/beyond-boxwood-alternative-landscape-shrubs-for-michigan-gardeners
Your pictures look like boxwood leaf miner damage. To control it there are insecticides you may apply. Please read and follow all precautions and directions on any garden chemicals you use. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_leafminer_a_serious_pest_of_a_favorite_landscape_plant
Here is a bulletin summarizing many of the issues with boxwood- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_insect_pests
