Boxwood blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum) is a disease that has been in the Alabama landscape since 2013.

Usually this disease comes into an established landscape on newly installed plants. It can then spread from these infected plants through splashing water and contaminated equipment or clothing.

The recent rainy weather has caused an increase in boxwood blight activity. So if your boxwoods have been green and healthy up until the last few weeks, you might suspect boxwood blight. This disease primarily attacks boxwoods but can also be found on pachysandra.

The symptoms of boxwood blight are distinct. The leaves of infected plants will develop spotting, which is usually circular and tan, often described as a bull’s-eye. The leaves will also turn brown, and infected stems can rapidly drop foliage. This often becomes a cycle of the plant developing new leaves, turning spotty and brown, and then dropping those new, infected leaves.

If you notice an unusual amount of leaves around the base of a boxwood, this could be a good sign that you should check for these symptoms. Another common symptom is dark coloration on the stems, which can appear as lesions or striping.

Sadly, boxwood blight cannot be completely eradicated from a landscape with fungicides, but fungicides that contain chlorothalonil or tebuconazole can be used to protect existing plants. To control the spread of this disease, there are several rules a homeowner can follow

• Use irrigation methods like drip hoses that do not spray water on the plants so that you do not spread the sticky spores with splashing;

• Always sterilize tools after pruning and keep the areas around the plants clear of debris;

• When cleaning up debris or removing infected plants, do not compost them — dispose of them immediately as the disease can survive for up to five years in this material; and

• In landscapes with healthy boxwoods, thoroughly check any new boxwoods for all the symptoms of the sickness before installing.

Try to use other plants that can serve a similar purpose to a boxwood or try to use some of the more resistant species like Buxus microphylla var. japonica “Green Beauty” or B. harlandii.

Boxwood Blight is becoming increasingly more common and homeowners should keep an eye out for any symptoms.

Please let your county extension agent know if you suspect boxwood blight in an area, or you can also send or bring samples to the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, located in the C. Beaty Hanna Horticulture and Environmental Center at 2612 Lane Park Road in Birmingham.

— For information on topics related to the home and garden, contact any office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The Limestone County Office is located at 1109 West Market St. in Athens. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 256-232-5510 or visit www.aces.edu.