Boxwoods are a beloved staple in many Western New York gardens, known for their dense, evergreen foliage and versatility in landscaping. However, recent threats like the box tree moth have caused concern among homeowners. If your boxwoods are struggling, don’t worry—Seasonal Lawncare is here to help! With our experience, treatments, and care tips, you can bring your boxwoods back to life and ensure they thrive year-round.
FAQ: Common Questions About Boxwood Care
Why is my boxwood dying? Your boxwood could be suffering from pest infestations, poor watering practices, or nutrient deficiencies. In recent years, the box tree moth is a common culprit.
How to save a dying boxwood? Effective treatment involves a combination of handpicking pests, systemic insect control, and regular maintenance practices like watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
Can boxwoods come back to life? Yes, with the right care and treatment, most boxwoods can recover from pest infestations and other stressors.
Understanding the Threat: Box Tree Moth
The box tree moth, native to East Asia, was accidentally introduced to the U.S. in 2021 through infested boxwoods from Ontario, Canada. This invasive pest has been detected in several Northeastern states, including our local area. The primary host for the box tree moth is boxwoods, but it can also affect euonymus and hollies.
Signs Your Boxwoods Are in Trouble
If you notice your boxwoods are looking less than their best, they might be under attack. Common signs of box tree moth infestation include:
- Chewed leaves: Look for missing or damaged foliage, especially towards the center of the plant.
- Silk webbing: These pests create webs that can be spotted on the undersides of leaves or within the plant.
- Larvae: Small, greenish-yellow caterpillars with black spots are a telltale sign of infestation.
How to Save Dying Boxwoods
Rescuing your boxwoods from the brink requires prompt and effective action. Here’s what you can do:
1. Handpicking and Pruning
For localized infestations, manually removing the larvae and affected branches can be effective. Dispose of them carefully to prevent the pests from spreading.
2. Boxwood moth program
1st application- A Spring dormant oil along with bioinsecticide (BtK, short for Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki) is applied. When the BTK is eaten, the protein crystals tear the cells that line the intestine of susceptible insects, causing them to die from bacterial infection. At this starge we are going after the caterpillars or pupae on the plant.
2nd application- A Mid summer systemic insect control is applied along with Bioinsecicide is applied. This treatment will once again go after the caterpillars and pupae but also go after the eggs that are laid underneath the boxwood leaf. Because of the egg location, our fogging blower is utilized to allow the product to reach the targeted area.
3rd application- A Fall dormant oil along with bioinsecticide BTK is applied to eliminate any adults along with a systemic insecticide to fight off any remaining eggs going into winter.
Seasonal Lawncare offers specialized treatments for only $79.99 plus tax for residential homes, designed to eliminate the boxwood moth. With the Boxwood moth being able to fly 6 + miles, we cant guarantee the program but this is the most comprehensive, result driven program we have proven to be effective in treating the moth.
3. Ongoing Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your boxwoods healthy. This includes:
- Proper watering: Ensure your boxwoods receive adequate water, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
- Pruning: Regularly trim your boxwoods to encourage new growth and maintain their shape.
- Self monitoring: Grab a bottle of “Sevin” from your local home improvement retailer and feel free to treat your boxwoods in between our applications for added protection.
Contact Seasonal Lawncare Today!
Don’t let pests ruin your beautiful boxwoods. Contact Seasonal Lawncare today at (716) 675-4000 for more information and to schedule a treatment. Let us help you restore your boxwoods to their full glory and keep your landscape vibrant and healthy.
