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Why Your Boxwoods May Have Turned Brown in St. Louis (and How to Prevent It)

  • May 5
  • 1 min read

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.



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