Cultural methods to prevent box blight

There a number of ways to prevent box blight in the garden:

- Feed plants moderately since lush, new growth is more susceptible to blight.

- Disinfect tools after using them in one bed or area of the garden before moving to the next.

- Avoid overhead watering since box blight flourishes in humid conditions.

- Mulch the ground under box plants to reduce rain water splash on leaves.

- Isolate newly-purchased box plants for at least 4 weeks before planting. Some sellers use fungicides to surpress blight and other diseases. Isolation gives time for the suppressed disease to manifest.

- Take cuttings from healthy box in the garden to avoid introducing blight from outside sources.

- Regularly inspect box plants for signs of blight, especially in warm, humid conditions.

- Reduce trimming frequency since trimming promotes dense growth which reduces air flow.

- Consider planting box alternatives including Berberis, Elaeagnus, Ilex crenata, Lonicer nitida, Luma apiculata, Osmanthus delavayi, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Taxus baccata, and Ugni molinae.