Boxwood blight is a highly destructive fungal disease that can cause significant damage to your boxwood plants. It leads to defoliation, stem lesions, and overall plant decline, making early detection and treatment essential.

If left unmanaged, this disease can spread rapidly and ruin your beautifully landscaped garden. Luckily, there are effective ways to combat and eliminate blight on boxwoods.

This guide provides the 10 best methods to get rid of boxwood blight, helping you restore and maintain healthy plants. From cultural practices to chemical treatments, you’ll discover practical steps to protect your garden from this troublesome disease.

Related: Best Fungicide For Boxwood Blight

How Do You Get Rid Of Blight On Boxwoods? 10 Best Ways

1. Prune and Remove Infected Foliage

Pruning and removing infected foliage is one of the first steps in managing boxwood blight. Carefully inspect your boxwood plants and cut away any affected branches and leaves. Ensure you dispose of the infected material properly to prevent further spread.

Use sanitized pruning tools to make clean cuts on infected parts of the plant. This prevents the transfer of fungal spores to healthy areas. After pruning, disinfect your tools using a bleach solution or alcohol.

Dispose of all infected plant material by burning or sealing it in plastic bags. Never compost the infected debris, as this can allow the fungus to survive and re-infect your plants.

Pros:

• Quick disease control
• Removes visible damage
• Enhances airflow

Cons:

• Labor-intensive
• Risk of spore spread
• Requires regular maintenance

2. Improve Air Circulation

Improving air circulation around your boxwoods helps prevent fungal growth. Fungi thrive in moist, stagnant conditions, making airflow crucial for disease control.

Space your boxwood plants appropriately to allow adequate air movement. Avoid overcrowding your garden, as this can trap moisture and encourage fungal development.

Regular pruning also promotes better air circulation by thinning out dense foliage. This creates a less favorable environment for blight.

Pros:

• Reduces fungal growth
• Supports healthy plants
• Low-cost solution

Cons:

• Requires planning
• Time-consuming
• Needs regular upkeep

3. Apply Mulch Properly

Proper mulching practices can help control boxwood blight by reducing soil splash, which spreads fungal spores. Use organic mulch such as bark or wood chips.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, ensuring it doesn’t touch the stems. This creates a barrier that minimizes spore transfer from soil to foliage.

Mulch also helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, promoting overall plant health. Be sure to refresh the mulch annually for continued effectiveness.

Pros:

• Prevents soil splash
• Retains moisture
• Enhances soil quality

Cons:

• Can harbor pests
• Needs regular maintenance
• Risk of stem rot

4. Use Fungicides

Fungicides are essential for controlling boxwood blight, especially in severe cases. Select a broad-spectrum fungicide labeled for boxwood blight control.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application rates and timing. Apply fungicides during periods of high humidity or when blight symptoms first appear.

Rotate fungicides with different active ingredients to prevent resistance. This ensures continued effectiveness against the disease.

Pros:

• Effective disease control
• Quick results
• Prevents new infections

Cons:

• Chemical exposure risk
• Can be expensive
• Requires multiple applications

5. Water Carefully

Watering practices play a significant role in managing boxwood blight. Overhead watering promotes fungal growth by creating a moist environment on the leaves.

Instead, use drip irrigation or water directly at the base of the plant. This keeps the foliage dry and reduces the risk of blight.

Water early in the morning to allow any excess moisture to evaporate throughout the day. Avoid late evening watering.

Pros:

• Prevents fungal growth
• Conserves water
• Supports root health

Cons:

• Requires setup
• Can be time-consuming
• Initial cost for drip systems

6. Maintain Proper Plant Nutrition

Healthy plants are more resistant to diseases, including boxwood blight. Providing balanced nutrition strengthens your boxwoods.

Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for boxwoods. This ensures steady nutrient availability without promoting excessive growth.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can make plants more susceptible to blight. Follow soil test recommendations for best results.

Pros:

• Strengthens plants
• Improves disease resistance
• Enhances growth

Cons:

• Requires monitoring
• Risk of over-fertilization
• Can be costly

7. Practice Crop Rotation

If you have multiple boxwood plants, consider crop rotation to manage boxwood blight. This involves replanting susceptible plants in different areas.

This practice helps break the disease cycle by depriving the fungus of its host. Rotate with non-host plants that are resistant to fungal diseases.

Crop rotation is especially useful for commercial growers or large-scale landscapes. It promotes long-term disease management.

Pros:

• Breaks disease cycle
• Supports soil health
• Effective for large gardens

Cons:

• Space limitations
• Requires planning
• Not feasible for small gardens

8. Sanitize Tools and Equipment

Sanitizing gardening tools is critical to preventing the spread of boxwood blight. Fungal spores can easily transfer between plants via contaminated tools.

Clean your tools after each use using a bleach solution or rubbing alcohol. Pay special attention to pruning shears, spades, and gloves.

Regular tool sanitation minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and keeps your garden healthy. Store tools in a dry, clean area.

Pros:

• Prevents spore transfer
• Low-cost solution
• Easy to implement

Cons:

• Time-consuming
• Can damage tools
• Requires diligence

9. Monitor for Symptoms Regularly

Early detection is key to managing boxwood blight. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infection.

Look for symptoms such as leaf spots, defoliation, and stem lesions. Act quickly if you notice any unusual changes.

Frequent monitoring helps you catch the disease early and implement effective control measures. Maintain a plant health journal for reference.

Pros:

• Early disease detection
• Effective management
• Improves plant care

Cons:

• Time-intensive
• Requires keen observation
• Can be overlooked

10. Plant Resistant Varieties

One of the best long-term solutions for managing boxwood blight is planting resistant varieties. These plants have a natural ability to withstand fungal infections.

Look for cultivars such as Green Gem, Green Velvet, and NewGen Freedom. These varieties are less susceptible to blight.

Planting resistant varieties reduces the need for chemical treatments and maintenance. Consult with a local nursery for recommendations.

Pros:

• Long-term solution
• Low maintenance
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Higher initial cost
• May need research

How Do You Get Rid Of Blight On Boxwoods FAQs

1. What causes boxwood blight?
Boxwood blight is caused by the fungal pathogens Cylindrocladium buxicola or Calonectria pseudonaviculata. The disease spreads through contaminated soil, water, and tools.

2. How do I identify boxwood blight?
Look for symptoms such as dark leaf spots, defoliation, and black stem lesions. Infected plants may also show rapid decline.

3. Can boxwood blight be cured?
While there is no complete cure, it can be managed with proper cultural practices and fungicide applications.

4. How often should I apply fungicides?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically every 7 to 14 days during high-risk periods.

5. What is the best time to prune boxwoods?
Prune boxwoods in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid pruning during wet weather.

6. Can I replant boxwoods in the same spot after blight?
It’s best to wait a few years or treat the soil thoroughly before replanting boxwoods.

7. Are there organic solutions for boxwood blight?
Yes, organic fungicides such as copper-based sprays can help manage the disease.

Conclusion

Managing boxwood blight requires a combination of cultural practices, careful monitoring, and the right treatments. By pruning infected foliage, improving air circulation, and using effective fungicides, you can control the disease and protect your landscape.

Consistent care and maintenance will also prevent future outbreaks. Planting resistant varieties and sanitizing tools further safeguard your garden.

Among the best methods, using fungicides and planting resistant varieties stand out for their effectiveness. Take proactive steps today to ensure your boxwoods remain healthy and vibrant. Don’t wait—start implementing these strategies now for a thriving, blight-free garden