When to Cut Boxwood

Features

• Europeans first brought boxwood to America in 1653. Boxwood became common by the early 1800s throughout the United States. This evergreen shrub continues its popularity as foundation plantings, topiary, hedges and as walls in formal gardens. Boxwood features inch-long oval leaves, and sprout fragrant white flowers in the spring.

Time Frame

• Cut your boxwood in late spring after the last threat of frost has passed. Cutting promotes new growth, and this tender growth could be damaged by severe weather. If you need only a few sprigs for holiday trimming, then go ahead and cut them during the winter. Boxwood do not need shaping on a yearly basis, but you should thin them annually. Boxwood can become so dense, the plant will develop diseases if not thinned regularly.

Thinning and Pruning

• Before beginning, check the condition of the boxwood. If the shrub shows signs of being unhealthy, such as thin foliage or insect infestation, do not cut. Do not cut if the boxwood shows new growth. To thin boxwood, make scattered cuts about 6 inches long to the inside branches. This allows sunlight to penetrate into the inside branches to promote new growth. Pruning involves more drastic, large-scale cutting to decrease the size or height of the shrub, to shape it and to remove dead, diseased or damaged wood. Use sharp equipment to minimize tearing and damaging the branches.

Tip

• According to The Roanoke Times, watching your forsythia blooms will give you a clue to the appropriate time for cutting boxwood. When your forsythia flowers begins to fade, that is nature’s clue.