Boxwood Leafminer Description:

Boxwood Leafminer are small flies that attack several varieties of boxwood, causing the usually dense foliage to appear weak and lackluster. These pests can kill boxwood twigs and cause mature plants to become susceptible to other diseases, including winter-kill in colder climates. Larvae are yellow maggots approximately 1/8-inch long that consume the green, food-producing tissue within the leaf. Adult gnats are about 1/10-inch long, yellow to orange-red in color, and produce one generation each year.

Hosts:

Named for the evergreen they infest, Boxwood Leafminer feeds on the upper and lower sides of boxwood leaves. Some varieties of English boxwood are infestation-resistant, including Argenteovarigata, Pendula, and Suffruitiosa.

Biology & Symptoms:

Look for new leaves to become spotted-yellow by late spring and blistered by mid-summer. Leaves also may drop prematurely. It can take several weeks for Boxwood Leafminer infestation to be noticeable. Signs include egg punctures on the underside of leaves and larvae living inside leaf blisters.

Boxwood Leafminer Control & Management:

Apply liquid fertilizer to combat maggots and egg-laying gnats shortly after new growth in early June. Proper fertilization can help promote new growth, which improves overall vigor and appearance.

See More Articles

Pest And Disease Algal Leaf Spot Banner 1440X500
Spotting on Leaf

Algal Leaf Spot Of Magnolia

Raised, wavy, cushion-like spots are symptoms of algal leaf spot, also known as green scurf. The spots are greenish, pinkish or grayish and less than 1 cm. in diameter. They may encircle a twig, creating a girdling canker.
Read More
Pest And Disease Center Anthracnose Disease Of Deciduous Trees Banner 1440X500
Mold or Fungus

Anthracnose Disease Of Deciduous Trees

Anthracnose is a common and destructive group of fungal pathogens that attack various shade trees.
Read More

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!