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Red Ants Damaging Box Hedging

Red Ants Damaging Box Hedging

Posted on January 23, 2023January 23, 2023Author James TodmanPosted in Advice2 Replies

I have another pest to add to the growing list of threats to a Buxus plant’s health and well-being. This one is the red ant (Myrmica rubra). There’s been a lot of head scratching at a place where I work to discover the reason why leaves of a single box plant were starting to yellow…

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How to manage Box Blight

How to manage Box Blight

Posted on August 28, 2021April 20, 2023Author James TodmanPosted in AdviceLeave a Reply

The fungal disease box blight attacks Box (Buxus) and can result in twiggy patches and dieback. Box blight was first recognised in the mid 1990’s and has now become a real problem in many gardens all over the UK, especially with warm and damp weather. What is Box Blight? Box blight is a fungal disease that…

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My Top Three Topiary Shears

My Top Three Topiary Shears

Posted on November 26, 2020May 30, 2022Author James TodmanPosted in Advice3 Replies

Over the years I have developed quite a collection of topiary shears. They all have their own different characteristics, and that’s not just the price. Some work better on thicker stemmed shrubs, others are more suitable for a faster clipping action – a lot depends on their weight, balance and type of steel used to…

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Improve Yew Hedges by Removing Vertical Stems

Improve Yew Hedges by Removing Vertical Stems

Posted on November 9, 2019October 7, 2022Author James TodmanPosted in AdviceLeave a Reply

If a yew has been left untrimmed, or has been badly clipped in the past, then thick, long stems can start to grow up on the outside of the hedge. These will thicken over time, causing the hedge to bulge and sag. Improve Yew Hedges Appearance A yew should have short green, lateral growth on…

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Mysterious Brown Circles Appearing on Box Hedging

Mysterious Brown Circles Appearing on Box Hedging

Posted on July 8, 2019May 30, 2022Author James TodmanPosted in AdviceLeave a Reply

I want to share with you a problem someone had with their box hedging that surrounds a lawn area. Brown circular patches were appearing on the grass side of the box hedge, all at roughly the same height. The owner’s Labrador was accused of causing the damage so I was pleased to exonerate the dog…

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James Todman

James Todman

I’m a topiary specialist based in Worcestershire, UK. I also work as a freelance writer, contributing articles about topiary and hedging to trade and horticulture publications.

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Popular Posts

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    Five Ways to Beat the Box Tree Caterpillar
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    How to manage Box Blight
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    My Top Three Topiary Shears
  • Supporting Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ with Box Hedging
    Supporting Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ with Box Hedging
  • Mussel Scale on Box
    Mussel Scale on Box
  • Mysterious Brown Circles Appearing on Box Hedging
    Mysterious Brown Circles Appearing on Box Hedging
  • Red Ants Damaging Box Hedging
    Red Ants Damaging Box Hedging

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