If your boxwoods browned this winter, you’re not alone. In St. Louis, it’s often not disease. It’s winter burn.
The real cause?
Cold + sun + wind = moisture loss faster than roots can replace it
Freeze-thaw cycles stress shallow roots
South- and west-facing exposures get hit hardest
How do I prevent this next season?
Water deeply before the first hard freeze
Add a light mulch layer to stabilize soil temps
Use burlap screens in exposed areas
Apply anti-desiccant spray before extreme cold
What should I NOT do?
Don’t fertilize early to “fix” it
Don’t over-prune immediately in spring
Recovery is possible, but prevention is where the real results happen.
More questions? Contact St. Louis Boxwood for a consultation.
