What is wrong with my boxwoods - Ask Extension
Is this a moth or blight, or so else? I have about 2 dozen and they will all need to come out. If you can identify the problem, please also tell me if...
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What is wrong with my boxwoods #932430
Asked May 20, 2026, 4:48 PM EDT
Is this a moth or blight, or so else? I have about 2 dozen and they will all need to come out. If you can identify the problem, please also tell me if I need to treat the soil before planting something else there. Thank you.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
I think there is more than one problem in the hedge. I see some boxwood leaf miner damage, perhaps some spider mite damage, and perhaps some waxy coatings left by boxwood psyllid from last year. There can also be some winter kill of some leaves.
Boxwoods have many pests and a diseases right now. Boxwood blight is fatal and not treatable. Box Tree Moth larvae can decimate a hedge in a few weeks, and require repeated insecticide sprays to control. It is best to select a hardy replacement that has fewer issues, at least at this time.
The pests and diseases do not require that you treat the soil for anything. You will want to get as much of the roots and all of the stumps of the hedge out if you are planting in the same place.
It would be a good idea to soil test the area so you can select a replacement that is suited to the soil type, pH, amount of sun, amount of moisture available. MSU Soil Test kit is available, and you can ask questions about the results afterwards, should you have any. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension
Here is a bulletin with hardy selections- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/beyond-boxwood-alternative-landscape-shrubs-for-michigan-gardeners
Here is a guide for planting new shrubs. While it is from a Extension to the south of us, the principals are the same. Best planting time in Michigan is spring. Correct planting depth and proper watering the first 2-3 seasons is critical to shrubs growing healthy roots and establishing themselves. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-shrubs-correctly/
It is difficult to get an exact diagnosis on this format due to screen blurriness when magnifying the photos. To get a diagnosis you may submit plant branch samples and root ball samples, along with your pictures, to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. The fee schedule, submission form and instructions are on the website- https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
I think there is more than one problem in the hedge. I see some boxwood leaf miner damage, perhaps some spider mite damage, and perhaps some waxy coatings left by boxwood psyllid from last year. There can also be some winter kill of some leaves.
Boxwoods have many pests and a diseases right now. Boxwood blight is fatal and not treatable. Box Tree Moth larvae can decimate a hedge in a few weeks, and require repeated insecticide sprays to control. It is best to select a hardy replacement that has fewer issues, at least at this time.
The pests and diseases do not require that you treat the soil for anything. You will want to get as much of the roots and all of the stumps of the hedge out if you are planting in the same place.
It would be a good idea to soil test the area so you can select a replacement that is suited to the soil type, pH, amount of sun, amount of moisture available. MSU Soil Test kit is available, and you can ask questions about the results afterwards, should you have any. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension
Here is a bulletin with hardy selections- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/beyond-boxwood-alternative-landscape-shrubs-for-michigan-gardeners
Here is a guide for planting new shrubs. While it is from a Extension to the south of us, the principals are the same. Best planting time in Michigan is spring. Correct planting depth and proper watering the first 2-3 seasons is critical to shrubs growing healthy roots and establishing themselves. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-shrubs-correctly/
It is difficult to get an exact diagnosis on this format due to screen blurriness when magnifying the photos. To get a diagnosis you may submit plant branch samples and root ball samples, along with your pictures, to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. The fee schedule, submission form and instructions are on the website- https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
