Boxwood Before Winter: Skip the Shear, Try Thinning
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Fall Pruning Boxwoods: Thin, Don’t Sheer!
Improves air circulation – Thinning opens up the dense interior, reducing trapped humidity that encourages pests and fungal diseases like boxwood blight.
Encourages inner growth – Light reaches the shaded interior, keeping leaves green inside the shrub instead of just on the outer shell.
Maintains natural shape – Thinning preserves the boxwood’s soft, layered form, avoiding the harsh, overly sheared look of repeated surface pruning.
Promotes long-term health – Removing selective branches prevents dieback, reduces stress on the plant, and helps the shrub stay vigorous for decades.
Why Fall Shearing Hurts Boxwood
Boxwoods respond to pruning by pushing out new growth. In early to mid-fall, those tender new shoots won’t have time to harden off before the first frosts arrive. This makes them highly susceptible to winter burn, leaving brown patches that mar the plant’s appearance come spring. Shearing also creates a dense outer shell of foliage that traps moisture and reduces airflow, which increases the risk of boxwood blight and other fungal issues.
The Case for Thinning Instead
Thinning is the practice of selectively removing interior branches rather than slicing across the entire surface. This approach preserves the natural shape of the boxwood, improves airflow, and reduces the chance of disease. It also keeps the plant looking full without creating that overly tight “green shell” that shearing leaves behind. In the fall, a light thinning is all that’s needed—just enough to reduce congestion and remove any damaged or crossing stems.
Fall Pruning Do’s and Don’ts for Boxwood
Do remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. These cuts are safe at any time of year and help the shrub focus its energy on healthy growth.
Do step inside the plant to thin out a few interior stems if airflow is poor.
Don’t take hedge trimmers or shears to the outer surface in fall.
Don’t reduce boxwoods heavily right before winter—save big cuts for late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Winter Preparation Beyond Pruning
Boxwoods also benefit from a little extra protection as winter approaches. Applying a layer of mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) helps moderate soil temperature and preserve moisture. In exposed sites, burlap wraps or windbreaks can reduce winter burn caused by cold, drying winds. These measures, combined with proper pruning timing, go a long way toward keeping boxwoods vibrant.
The Expert Pruning NH Approach
At Expert Pruning NH, we often find that boxwoods are over-pruned rather than under-pruned. Our philosophy is that less is more, especially in fall. We thin to keep plants healthy, but we avoid shearing at the wrong time, which can cause lasting damage. Our seasonal approach includes dormant pruning in winter and selective shaping in spring, so boxwoods look polished without sacrificing plant health. If you have boxwoods on your property and want them to stay full and disease-free, we can help you put the right plan in place.
Conclusion
Boxwood is one of the most reliable shrubs in New England landscapes, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to fall pruning. Shearing in October or November may give a temporary tidy look, but it exposes the plant to winter burn, encourages blight, and weakens its structure over time. By contrast, selective thinning improves airflow, maintains natural form, and reduces pest and disease risks while still allowing the plant to hold its shape. Fall should be about restraint—removing only what’s necessary and preparing for the dormant-season pruning that boxwoods truly need. With the right timing, these shrubs can remain evergreen, resilient, and attractive for decades. A professional pruning plan ensures they get both the light fall touch and the heavier winter or spring cutbacks that keep them healthy year after year.
📞 If you would like expert help diagnosing problems with your shrubs, hedges or ornamental trees, need pruning and ongoing care, Seacoast Residential Pruning is here to guide you. We take the guesswork out of soil care so you can enjoy a landscape that looks beautiful and grows stronger every season. Call us today at (603) 770-5072 or Contact Us to get started.
