Hi — I have rows of boxwoods on each side of our entry sidewalk. Since we are in Michigan I put burlap around them for the winter. This year when I removed burlap I gave them a quick short haircut and now they are all brownish looking as though I have killed them or something. Can I kill boxwoods if I trim to early in season? From everything I read, you can trim boxwoods year-round. Thanks MG
Burlap shouldn’t be wrapped right around the plants but attached to stakes to create a windbreak while still allowing the plant to get light. Wrapped against the plant shades to foliage and, being light starved the tissue of the leave becomes soft. Once uncovered, it needs to readapt to sunlight and is more susceptible to damage. Pruning right away just added to the stress.