box hedge in trouble

Areas of box hedge, dying, bare patches with moss now growing . Yellow leaves on top of hedge. Could this be due to severe winter damage and/or age? The hedge is thought to be at least 50 years old. I would be very grateful for any suggestions.

Re: box hedge in trouble

Reply from Katy Elton

Hi Belinda,

This sounds as though it may be a fungal infection called box blight http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=96.

If this matches what you’re seeing, then the first action is to increase ventilation by pruning out all of the affected areas. Box can regrow from bare wood, so don’t be afraid of being drastic. Collect all infected material carefully to avoid spreading the spores, and burn it. Try feeding the plant regularly, and avoid pruning any new growth back for a year. It’s thought that the regular pruning of box weakens it, which makes it more susceptible to this disease.

Hope this helps!
Good luck
Katy