Question
Hi,

I live in Atlanta and just noticed that some leaves on my boxwoods are beginning to turn copper in color.  They are very established but were pruned late last fall.  Could this be winter damage?  This has not happened in the 10 years I have lived in my house.

Help!

Toney

Answer
Hi Toney,
I have seen alot of boxwood foliage turn "bronze" this winter. You are correct that it is caused by cold weather. Most times, you see this type of damage on boxwoods that receive the morning sun. Don't worry, your boxwoods will recover during the spring. As a preventative measure, you should fertilize your boxwoods with a slow-release fertilizer as soon as possible. You can also use cow manure and bone meal as a fertilizer. I would spray my boxwoods with CYGON to prevent any damage from leaf miners. You don't say what type of boxwoods you have. American boxwoods are sometimes attacked by  nematodes - treat with NEMEX or a similar nematode treatment. Japanese boxwoods can be pruned now and the new growth will hide some of the bronze foliage. I don't recommend pruning Japanese boxwoods after the new growth has appeared.
Good Luck, Doug Roberson