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Established Buxus Bush Leaves turning Yellow/brown/orange after garden renovation

#1 · 7th June 2023, 1:42 pm

Hi, I had my garden renovated a few months ago, and it was completed on April 17th 2023. I have noticed that the Buxus bush leaves are going a strange yellow/brown/orange colour. My first thought was that it was just the plant being a little stressed from the new modifications to the garden and surroundings, but I'm worried it could also be other issues. If anyone has seen this before and has an idea of what to do to restore it to its former green glory, please let me know. I have attached a video of the discolouration in the leaves and some before and after pics of the work carried out.

#2 · 8th June 2023, 6:23 am

Hi @lancelotward

Thanks for your comment on what's causing your Box topiary leaves to turn yellow.

I'd think this is a result of concrete or mortar from the nearby flags and recent construction work.

Concrete can alter the soil conditions on plants nearby with their root structures. During the construction process, soil compaction often occurs, which can lead to the loss of soil structure and also an increase in soil alkalinity which can affect plant health. This can negatively impact the ability of plants to establish healthy root systems and access essential nutrients.

Concrete is composed of various materials, including cement, which is highly alkaline. Over time, concrete can leach alkaline compounds into the surrounding soil, increasing its pH level. Most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions, so an elevated pH can make the soil unsuitable for plant growth and limit nutrient availability. This is why the leaves may have turned yellow because the plants struggling to take up nutrients given the change in soil ph nearby.

The solution is to give them a good feed and also a prune to encourage some new growth.

They look pretty healthy other than that so wouldn't worry too much!

Happy gardening

Lee

lancelotward has reacted to this post.

#3 · 9th June 2023, 10:50 am

Oh, Wow! Thanks for such a detailed response, Lee ❤️. That makes a lot of sense. My next question is when you say "feed", do you mean just water? Or is there something else? If so, how often?

Regards

Lance