When to Prune Box Hedge or Buxus Hedge?
Buxus or box hedges are slow-growing, evergreen shrubs that look beautiful as low hedging and topiary. Kiwis who either plant this hedge variety or inherit it with a property purchase may find themselves with one burning question: when should you prune a Buxus hedge?
We could give you a single answer, but if you’re trying to find out when is the best time to prune your box hedging, you may also be wondering how to care for them in general. We’ve got all the answers below.
When to Prune Box/Buxus Hedges
Ask any hedge trimming expert, and they’ll ponder the many variables before giving you the answer to how often you need to prune your box hedges – or any hedges. At a minimum, aim for twice a year. With twice-yearly pruning, you should be able to benefit from a tidy, beautifully-manicured hedge.
In saying that, proud hedge owners don’t always stick with that golden rule. They trim them up to four times per year because there’s a general understanding that the more regularly you trim your Buxus, the lusher it can become.
When you undertake your pruning can depend on the weather you experience at different parts of the year. Some people carry out their primary pruning task in August before spring growth starts to take off. They may then carry out their second necessary hedge haircut after Christmas once the new growth has had a chance to harden.
In between these times, you may decide to take care of your hedge’s shape and trim to allow airflow for pest and disease reduction.
How to Care for Buxus Hedges
Even though you may only have been wondering when you should prune your box hedging, it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit about their general care, as well. Even though they are typically low maintenance, they do require a bit of attention to keep them in tip-top shape.
Make a point of clearing away leaf litter that tends to sit just below your Buxus. Some leaf litter may harbour disease, and it’s not a risk you’ll want to take if you can avoid it.
During the hedge’s growing seasons of spring and autumn, consider a specialised Buxus food product, and only water the hedge’s roots, rather than the foliage.
Even your tools of the trade require some care. Wash any cutting equipment, then sterilise them with diluted bleach or methylated spirits before allowing them to dry.
Trimming Tips for Box Hedging
Whether you’re new to Buxus hedge care or simply want to learn some best practices, we’ve got a few additional tips that may assist in the process.
Refrain from trimming in the hot sun, which may negatively impact the foliage. Once you have finished cutting, run a leaf rake lightly over the hedge to dislodge any clippings that haven’t fallen out. Remove as much of the clippings from in and around the hedge as possible.
If you’re new to the world of hedge pruning, start small. Begin with a dwarf hedge, then consider adding more width and height as the hedge becomes denser. Slow and steady wins the race.
Buxus Hedge Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Even if you’ve been incredibly meticulous with washing your cutting equipment, removing leaf litter, and watering the roots, you may still find your Buxus succumbs to pests and disease.
One of the most prominent diseases is called Buxus blight, which causes considerable dieback. It tends to be more prevalent in warm, damp environments.
Fortunately, there are products on the market that can assist with both prevention and cure. However, it’s essential to follow up any treatments with pruning dead areas, removing excess leaf litter, and trimming to promote airflow.
You may also notice what looks like a fungal disease on the Buxus hedge stems. This may instead be scale insects. Visit your local garden store for oil products designed to suffocate the insects and give them their marching orders. While some insects are beneficial to have in your garden, these aren’t some of them.
Fun Facts About Boxwood Hedging
Many people plant Buxus because it’s a beautiful, tidy, low hedge that looks stunning on any property. However, there are many other reasons why it’s a firm favourite around the world.
Parts of this shrub have been used for a variety of medical reasons. It has been used for rheumatism, and, in some parts of history, a tincture would be made from the wood for use as a bitter tonic.
Hippocrates, Pliny, and Dioscorides all once recommended boxwood for diarrhoea.
In France, it was once used as a hops substitute in beer.
It’s one of the oldest ornamental plants.
People used to boil the leaves and sawdust in lye for auburn-coloured hair dye.
Perfumes have been made with their leaves and bark.
Is It Time to Prune Your Hedges?
It can seem like there is a lot involved in Buxus hedge trimming. While it’s true that they require a meticulous level of care, they are not overwhelmingly high-maintenance. Though, whether you lack the time, patience, or green fingers, there’s always the option to outsource this task to a team of experts. You can then sit back, relax, and enjoy a picture-perfect box hedge.