Our lawn company says we have spider mites on our boxwood shrubs, and they must spray ASAP.
-
Erica Glasener on Sep 19, 2011Bunny, I don't want to disagree with your lawn company but the photo you show looks more like a compact holly than a boxwood. I would not spray right away but cut out the dead and then take a look at the plant. The dieback on this holly could be caused from drainage issues, too much water or not enough. The spider mite that attacks boxwood is specific to boxwood. If you are in the Atlanta area, it has been a tough, hot, dry summer.Helpful Reply
-
-
Linden Landscape Design on Sep 19, 2011I agree that looks like a Japanese Holly not a boxwood. Spider mites won't have webs and they are very tiny. One way to look for them is to hold a white piece of paper under a branch (not a dead one) and tap the branch. You can see if the little critters land on the paper and watch them move around. I agree with Erica, cut out the dead and see what happens.Helpful Reply
-
-
Karen G on Sep 19, 2011I agree that the dead parts should be cut away-if there were insect issues, I would only spray with horticultural oil soap. But hot weather with hit-or-miss rain can wreak havoc on shrubs. Here in Fl. I spray Maxicrop seaweed fertilizer on stressed plants. I am usually suspicious of lawn care companies that give plant advice. Your local extension office can give you the best advice for plants in your area and for free!Helpful Reply
-
-
Garden Rebel / Sims Landscaping, Co. on Sep 19, 2011I see no signs of spider mite damage as the other foliage would be a dull gray green, yes,cut out the dead and just wait for new growthHelpful Reply
-
-
Paul M on Sep 19, 2011Well I hate to disagree with some of you but that looks like a gangely box wood to me. Spider mites don't make webs because they are a type of mite not a spider. The spider part just refers to their shape not that they are actually spiders. If you are in doubt do what Walter says and put a piece of paper under the branches, then tap the branches. If you have mites then they will be little dots on the paper. If you don't have mites then you won't have dots. I do agree with everyone about not spraying right now and just removing the dead branches. Probably a little fertilizer this spring and then hope we get some rain.Helpful Reply
-
-
Erica Glasener on Sep 20, 2011Bunny, whether you have a holly (Ilex ) or a boxwood (Buxus) I still recommend cutting out the dead wood and then making a decision. The photo of the leaves look like holly leaves. You can send or take a sample to your local extension service and they can confirm the type of plant you have, but keeping your plants healthy (rain would help) and fertilizing in the spring are good suggestions. Best of luck.Helpful Reply
-
-
Linden Landscape Design on Sep 20, 2011Actually it's really easy to tell a boxwood from a holly. Boxwoods have leaves growing directly opposite each other on the stem, Hollies have leaves that alternate on the stems. See the picture here. Japanese holly leaves also have a couple of tiny little black glands (they look like sunken dots) on the underside of each leaf near the petiole (stem). It is hard to see if the leaves on your plant are alternate or opposite, but it really looks like a holly. Lots of people confuse Japanese Hollies (Ilex crenata) with Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) but here in the south, if a builder planted them they are most likely hollies. Please let us know how things go Bunny.Helpful Reply
-
-
Travis P on Sep 20, 2011Here's a test for Spider Mites: Shake a portion of the affected limb over a white sheet of paper. Examine the tiny droppings on the paper for movement. If they move, they're mites. They are about the size of this dot: ( . )Helpful Reply
-
-
Erica Glasener on Sep 20, 2011@ Linden Landscapes, thanks for your post. I was going to take a photo of the Ilex and the Buxus (a branch of each) next to each other but you explained it well and people do often confuse the two., still I would bet that the photo is of Ilex crenata (cultivar unknown), I just noticed some in my neighborhood this am with almost identical damage, due probably to weather factors.Helpful Reply
-
-
Bunny A on Sep 20, 2011Thanks to all of you. You are right, it is a holly, and I tried the white paper and tapping around several plants, only finding one mite. we have watered our lawn, but not our shrubs this summer so they are probably quite stressed. I will follow all of the other suggestions and appreciate your kindness in replying. Thanks again, BunnyHelpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
Blackout curtains behind vertical blinds
I have two 6' patio doors, and I want to add blackout curtains to keep the sun/cold out. What is the best way to hang them, and what can I use to push the curtains ba... See more
What’s your favorite flower?
Let's brighten up our day with some floral beauty! Flowers come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors, and everyone has a favorite. We want to know: What is your favor... See more
Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets?
I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ... See more
Any great tips for removing hard water stains from exterior windows?
Hey there fellow forum members!I need some help to make my home's exterior windows shine again! Any tips on tackling those stubborn hard water stains? They're driving... See more
Can I dry pine cones Outside instead of the oven?
they have been soaked in vinegar and water.
Can canvas outside window awnings be painted and how?
I have a dark green canvas awning and would like to change the color to gray. Is this possible and what type of paint do I use.
How can I make a DIY hair dryer diffuser?
Best hairdryer diffuser attachment!Protect your hair from heat and damage with Hairizone diffuser that Amazon reviewers swear by!