Boxwood is a popular and versatile garden tree. Unfortunately, the evergreen plant is also quite susceptible to care mistakes or an incorrect supply of water or fertilizer. If the leaves and shoots turn brown so that the bush looks dry, immediate help is needed.
A dried up box tree cannot always be saved
Dry shoots and leaves have many causes
Dry, brown leaves do not always indicate a fungal or pest infestation. Sometimes the cause is also an insufficient supply of nutrients and moisture.
nutrient deficiency
Yellow-brown leaves with browned leaf tips are a clear indication of a nitrogen deficiency, which often occurs in sandy soils in particular. These soils are usually poor in nutrients and must therefore be given special attention when fertilizing. If you don't act quickly at the first sign, the box will die - it will practically starve to death. Fertilize the beech with nitrogen-rich horn shavings (32.93€), of which you should plan about 30 to 40 grams per square meter. Instead, you can also use a fast-acting, liquid nitrogen fertilizer from a specialist store. In addition, you can spray the box with self-made and diluted nettle manure (add rock flour (14.13€)!). This not only supplies the plant with valuable nutrients, but also has a preventive effect against fungi and pests.
lack of water
However, yellow or brown leaves and a generally dried-up appearance can also indicate a lack of water, which can mainly occur during frosty and dry winter months. In this case, the appearance appears in spring, and the affected box often does not develop any new shoots. To save the plant, you should now proceed as follows:
- Cut the box back hard, if possible down to the healthy wood.
- Make this cut as early as possible.
- A frost-free, mild day in March or April is well suited.
- Make sure there is an adequate water supply.
- Mulch the soil area to keep moisture in it.
- Fertilize the boxwood with compost and horn shavings.
fungal disease
However, the harmful fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola, which is responsible for the box tree dieback, can also be to blame for the dry appearance of the boxwood. Try a rescue as described in the case of a lack of water, at least in the case of a slight infestation this is often still possible. In many cases, however, only the clearing of the affected plant remains.
tips
Never throw infected clippings in the compost, but sweep them up carefully and dispose of them with household waste. Otherwise the Buchs will get infected again and again.