Harvesting Boxwood Plant:
Timing and Techniques

Boxwood is a popular ornamental shrub used for hedges, topiaries, and garden borders. Its evergreen foliage and ability to be pruned into various shapes make it an excellent choice for adding structure and beauty to any landscape. However, harvesting boxwood plants can be tricky, as it requires proper timing and techniques to ensure the health and longevity of the plant. In this article, we will guide you through the process of harvesting boxwood plants, including the best time to harvest, the tools you will need, and the techniques to use.

The Best Time to Harvest Boxwood Plants

The best time to harvest boxwood plants is in late spring or early summer when new growth appears. This is typically between May and June in most regions. Avoid harvesting in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant.

Tools You Will Need

Before harvesting your boxwood plant, you will need a few essential tools:

• Pruning shears
• Gardening gloves
• A tarp or drop cloth
• A sharpening stone (optional)

Choose a pair of pruning shears that are sharp and clean. Dull or dirty blades can damage the plant and introduce disease. If your shears are dull, use a sharpening stone to sharpen them before harvesting.

Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands from scratches and cuts while handling the plant.

Spread a tarp or drop cloth beneath the plant to catch any trimmings and make clean-up easier.

Techniques for Harvesting Boxwood Plants

When harvesting boxwood plants, it’s important to follow these techniques to ensure the health and longevity of the plant:

Step 1: Identify Dead or Diseased Branches

Begin by identifying any dead or diseased branches on your boxwood plant. These should be removed first to prevent further damage to the plant.

Using your pruning shears, cut these branches off at their base, making sure not to cut into healthy wood.

Step 2: Trim Back Overgrown Branches

Next, trim back any overgrown branches that are crowding the center of the plant. This will help improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the plant.

Cut back each branch by one-third of its length, making sure to cut just above a leaf node.

Step 3: Shape Your Boxwood Plant

Once you have removed dead branches and trimmed back overgrown ones, it’s time to shape your boxwood plant. Use your pruning shears to carefully shape the plant into your desired shape.

Start by trimming back any branches that are sticking out too far or growing in an unwanted direction. Then, work on shaping each side of the plant into a symmetrical form.

Take your time with this step, as it can be easy to over-prune your boxwood plant. Remember that it’s better to take off less than too much at once.

Step 4: Clean Up Your Trimmings

Finally, gather up all of your trimmings and dispose of them properly. Do not leave them lying around on the ground, as they can attract pests and introduce disease to your garden.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I harvest my boxwood plant in the fall or winter?

A: It’s best to avoid harvesting boxwood plants in the fall or winter when they are dormant. This can cause stress and damage to the plant.

Q: How often should I harvest my boxwood plant?

A: Boxwood plants should be harvested once a year in late spring or early summer when new growth appears.

Q: Can I use electric shears to harvest my boxwood plant?

A: Electric shears can be used to harvest boxwood plants but may not provide as much control as manual pruning shears. It’s important to choose a tool that you feel comfortable using and that will not damage the plant.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally prune too much off my boxwood plant?

A: If you accidentally prune too much off your boxwood plant, don’t panic. Wait until next year’s growing season, then prune back lightly to encourage new growth.