Thanks! This is good time to start. I agree, the reason I asked is a horticulturist told me only to trim the tips. If the plant is in good shape one doesn't need to do much more. A few boxwood I have have become scraggly in the last several years and need more than that.

peat moss will do NOTHING .... if you want to change pH ... which is an exponential function ... you will need a soil amendment.. not a top dressing of peat ....

and you would start that process with a good soil test.. to find out if you actually need to change the pH ... [crikey.. i hope it wasnt the same guy who suggests haircuts .. more below on that] ..

google: rejuvenation pruning of box ...

you need to talk with better horticulturists ... if that best info that dude can give you.. is the yearly haircut.. whats that all about ... lol ...

ken

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=rejuvenation+pruning+of+box&t=ffcm&iax=videos&ia=videos

Boxwoods don't know they need acidic soil. Please don't tell them.

Wild box grows on limestone here. Silly box.

Never top dress with peat. Once dry, it forms an impenetrable crust that doesn't let water through.

The horticulturist who gave me advice works for a well know park in Toronto. I asked thinking he would be better informed. Thanks for advice. Will give them a haircut and put some compost around it. I like boxwood, it always looks good any time of the year.