What are the 3 common things that will kill boxwood?

• Planting too deep
• Too much fertilizer
• Too much water

Planting Instructions

• Get a soil test (optimum soil pH is between 6.5 – 7.2).
  
• Avoid planting boxwood in poorly drained areas or where there is a gutter downspout (your plant will drown).
  
• Dig a hole about 2 times as wide as the ball of the plant and about 2/3 to ¾ as deep as the ball of the plant. Remember, if the hole is too deep, the plant may settle and you may have a drainage problem causing your plant to drown.
  
• Ensure there is soil up onto the root ball and the root ball is above the original soil level (using no more than 1 inch of mulch around the plant).
  
• Water the plant thoroughly. This is very important at time of planting (do not allow the root ball to dry out).

Fertilizing

The results of your soil test will determine the type of fertilizer, the frequency of fertilizer use. Soil tests may also indicate the need for lime; again, the test will determine the amount and frequency of use. Remember, boxwood do best at pH levels of 6.5 -7.2

Pests

Consult a Pest Management Guide for recommendation for control of Boxwood pests. Pest Management Guides are generally available thru your County Agricultural Extension Service.

Thinning/Pruning

Thinning is a type of pruning. It is important that the ‘center’ or core of the boxwood plant get air and light. Thinning reduces the number of branches (and associated foliage) on the outside of the plant to permit this interior plant exposure.

Depending on the type of boxwood, this can be done annually but at a minimum, bi-annually. Thinning can be done anytime the weather is suitable for working outdoors and the temperature above freezing. The preferred time to do the thinning is late November to December. Cutting can be recycled for holiday decorations and rootings for boxwood propagation.

Thinning is the single most important maintenance activity for keeping your boxwood healthy.