Trimming Boxwoods: 3 Reasons to Trim Boxwoods

Boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens), part of the Buxus genus, are one of seventy woody plant species in the Buxaceae family. Boxwoods grow in as thick and hardy shrubs with smooth, shiny, dark green leaves and work well in both classic home hedging and formal garden displays. The topiary plant can grow anywhere between one and fifteen feet, and they produce small flowers in the spring that smell sweet and attract bees.

Thanks to their hardiness, boxwoods can survive in various climates. You should plant this perennial during less extreme weather, such as early spring, fall, or late winter. In warmer areas, you want to plan your boxwood before the hottest part of summer. Home and building owners often opt for boxwood hedges due to the thick cover and shade they provide. They are also optimal as privacy fences and privacy screens due to the tight, uniform growth of the leaves.

Most boxwood evergreens originated in tropical and subtropical areas, and numerous native boxwoods grow in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Madagascar. Common types of boxwood include English boxwood, Japanese boxwood, and Korean boxwood.

On top of boxwoods being good contenders for classic landscape design, you should also prune and trim the shrubs to encourage fresh leaf growth and ensure the plants are free of twisted or dead branches that may disrupt natural development. The plants generally require minimal maintenance and trimming, but there are potential issues that can affect boxwood health, including:

1. 1. Fungus growth: Fungus can develop in the center of boxwood shrubs following shearing and trimming. Signs of fungus include curling leaves, slow leaf growth, and undersized leaves.
2. 2. Waterlogging: Excessive watering or planting boxwoods in areas with inadequate drainage can lead to flooding of the soil, which boxwoods can't tolerate. Signs of waterlogging include rotted roots, slow growth, and soil that's slow to dry or doesn't dry at all.
3. 3. Animal urine: Boxwoods cannot tolerate animal urine, which can become excessive if your pet frequently marks its territory in your boxwood shrubs. The urine can lead to discolored leaves and branch death.

You can trim boxwoods at any time of year, but you should avoid heavy shearing or pruning during the late fall and winter months, even if you live in an area where snow isn't a factor. When the temperatures drop, it can make it more difficult for new plant growth to firm up before winter takes hold, so it’s best to do the heavier maintenance during the spring and mid-summer months.

One exception to the spring and mid-summer pruning rule is the necessary removal of dying or diseased branches. If you notice signs such as bare, decaying, droopy, or weak branches, you should pull them from the plant’s base as soon as possible.

You can use manual hedge trimmers (like loppers and hand pruners) or electric hedge clippers for boxwood pruning and trimming. Follow these steps when trimming your boxwood shrubs:

• Inspect the plant’s exterior. Look for diseased limbs, discolored leaves, and dried, dead twigs. Remove all debris and cut any diseased limbs away from the base of the plant.
• Inspect the plant’s interior. Pull the shrub open with your hands and ensure there isn’t additional debris. If there is, remove it to allow proper airflow throughout the plant.
• Look for overgrown limbs. Cut back all overgrown limbs toward the primary branches to maintain proper airflow and allow the interior of the plant to absorb additional sunlight as new foliage develops.
• Trim the entire shrub. This ensures even regrowth and prevents overgrown boxwoods, which can lead to fungus and disease development.
• Make custom shapes. Use pruning shears to customize or shape your boxwood to complement your outdoor exterior.

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