I Planted Boxwoods In The Fall That Were On Sale…
Regina Asked
I planted boxwoods in the fall that were on sale from Lowes. I watered them until winter; they have now turned brown. If I fertilize them the end of February do you think they might live? Is there anything I can do for them now? We have had a light winter but they may be hurt from the wind. What fertilizer do I use?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Regina in Kentucky: The first question would be what percentage of the boxwoods are brown? If more than 50 percent of the foliage is brown the chance of them recovering is slim. There are many factors that come into play when we are dealing with the decline of new plantings. The fact that they were purchased on sale and at the end of the season may mean that they were not healthy plantings to being with. Do you notice any insect activity on the foliage? Another possibility is the planting procedure/site. When we add new additions to our gardens it is essential that we dig their new homes twice as wide as the container they were purchased in and just as deep so the top of the root ball is flush with the soil surrounding the planting site. This reduces the chance of the root ball being lifted out of the ground as the soil freezes and thaws, making the roots susceptible to winter damage. Making sure that the soil is well-drained is important in terms of preventing root rot. Water is key to a successful planting. Even though we may not have to water as much as we would during the hot summer months, it is still necessary for root establishment. Fertilizer is not recommended for new plantings during the first full year. It is better for the plants to become established in the existing environment as opposed to giving them nutrients that may not always be there. Have you had your soil tested? It is always a good idea to know what level of nutrients you are dealing with before planting. Your County Cooperative Extension Service is a great resource for soil testing. you can add nutrients as recommended, but for now it is a waiting game. You can go ahead and remove the dead foliage but you may have to prune later again in the spring. You can check with the store that you bought them from and inquire about their guarantee policy.
