Content
Boxwood roots are sensitive to dryness
So keep the roots of the boxwood healthy
Boxwood often has to contend with various diseases and pests. This is all the easier the healthier and stronger the roots are. Root health begins with planting.
planting
The care of the small and shallow root system begins with the plants. Most gardeners buy their plants from a garden center or tree nursery with already developed roots. If you plant them in your garden, do it in a planting hole that is as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide. Insert the plant and fill the hole so that only a thin layer of soil covers the roots. If you plant deeper, the roots will not get enough light, air and water. The root depth of a boxwood is very low.
to water
Proper watering can make all the difference between a healthy plant and a dying shrub. Water so deeply that the soil is soaked at least 20 to 25 inches deep. When the water is at this low level, the roots will also extend downwards and grow better in the soil. By superficial irrigation, however, the roots also remain close to the surface and can not establish themselves at the site. This can cause damage to the roots, possibly killing the entire plant.
mulching
Since the roots of the plant do not penetrate very deep into the soil, the boxwood is susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as overheating or drying out on hot summer days. To protect the roots from rapid temperature changes, moisture loss, and to control weeds, spread a layer of organic mulch about five to seven centimeters thick, such as bark mulch, pine needles, or wood shavings around the plant base. However, the mulch layer should not be thicker, otherwise the water can not penetrate deep enough into the ground. Remove the mulch each spring and renew it.
floor care
Do not work with a hoe or other sharp objects in the earth around the book bushes. Because the roots are shallow under the surface, they can easily be damaged by shovels, hoes, spades, aerators and other garden tools. Do not dig for weeds, but pull it out by hand and cover the area with mulch. Any damage to the roots will result in infection and possibly death of the entire shrub.
Tips
If you want to transplant a book, do not just dig it out and put it back in its new location. Instead, you should cap the roots a few months earlier to make the bale more compact and closer to the stem. During subsequent conversion, the root loss is significantly lower.