Watch: What Boxwood Blight Looks Like and Why Early Detection Matters
- May 5
- 1 min read
Boxwood blight is one of the most serious issues affecting boxwoods, and this video gives a helpful overview of what to watch for before the damage spreads.
Early signs often include brown leaf spots, black streaking on stems, and rapid leaf drop, sometimes starting deep inside the plant before becoming visible from the outside. In St. Louis, humidity and limited airflow can create conditions where fungal issues spread more quickly, especially in dense or heavily sheared plantings.
One of the biggest takeaways from this video is the importance of sanitation. Cleaning tools between plants, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected debris can help reduce the spread significantly.
Not every brown boxwood has blight, but recognizing the difference early is critical. Catching symptoms quickly gives plants the best chance of recovery and helps protect surrounding shrubs.