Boxwood often has to struggle with various diseases and pests. This is easier to achieve the he althier and stronger the roots are. Root he alth starts with planting.
How to care for the roots of a boxwood?
Boxwood roots are shallow and delicate, so when planting it is important to dig a large enough planting hole, water properly, apply mulch and treat the soil carefully to keep them he althy and strong.
Planting
Caring for the small and shallow root system begins with planting. Most gardeners purchase their plants from a garden center or nursery with roots already developed. When planting them in your garden, do so in a planting hole that is the same depth 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 receive enough light, air and water. The root depth of a boxwood is very shallow.
Pouring
Proper watering can make the difference between a he althy plant and a dying shrub. Water deeply enough to saturate the soil at least 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) deep. When the water is at this deep level, the roots will also extend downwards and grow better in the soil. With superficial irrigation, however, the roots also remain close to the surface and cannot establish themselves at the site. This can cause damage to the roots, potentially causing the entire plant to die.
Mulching
Because the roots of the plant do not penetrate very deeply into the soil, the boxwood is susceptible to unfavorable weather conditions such as excessive heating or drying out on hot summer days. To protect the roots from rapid temperature changes and moisture loss and to control weeds, spread a five to seven centimeter thick layer of organic mulch such as bark mulch, pine needles or wood chips around the base of the plant. However, the mulch layer should not be thicker, otherwise the water cannot penetrate deep enough into the ground. Remove and replace the mulch every spring.
Floorcare
Do not work with a hoe or other sharp objects in the soil around the box bushes. Because the roots run shallowly beneath the surface, they are easily damaged by shovels, hoes, spades, aerators, and other garden tools. Instead of digging for weeds, pull them out by hand and cover the area with mulch. Any damage to the roots will result in infection and possible death of the entire shrub.
Tip
If you want to transplant a boxwood, don't just dig it up and put it back in its new location. Instead, you should cut the roots a few months in advance so that the ball grows more compact and closer to the trunk. During subsequent relocation, root loss is significantly reduced.
