Pruning box
Advice for August in the Netherlands
This advice covers common box (Buxus sempervirens) as a ball, block or low hedge.
Box — August
Light trim only
May, June and August are the calm moments to keep box (Buxus sempervirens) lightly in shape. Preferably work on a cloudy day and not during heat or drought, because freshly cut foliage scorches quickly in bright sun. Keep it to a light shaping.
Pay attention to this
- Trim in cloudy weather where possible, never during heat or drought.
- Biggest mistake: pruning in bright sun, or adding stress to a plant already weakened by disease or box moth.
- Clean your tools before and after trimming; that limits the spread of box blight.
- Always allow for frost and for differences between species and positions: postpone pruning during prolonged frost or when night frost is forecast.
See exactly where to cut
With real hands-on videos in the SnoeiWijs Tuinclub.
Frequently asked questions
- When should you trim box?
- In May, June or August, lightly and preferably on a cloudy day. Do not trim during heat or drought.
- Why not trim in bright sun?
- Freshly cut foliage scorches quickly in bright sun, leaving brown patches in the shape.
- What if the plant has box moth or disease?
- Do not add the stress of pruning to a weakened plant, and clean your tools before and after trimming.