Can you post a photo of the entire plant? I have a strong hunch but need to see how the whole plant is affected.

I’m in PA, too too, and had boxwoods. They are sensitive to freezing wet and wind Maybe the location makes it vulnerable. Some folks wrap them for the winter. Maybe add a windbreak?

Trim it back though they are slow growers. My experience is they dont transplant well but they are reasonbly inexpensive to replace.

They are also susceptiblt to aphids and spider mites.

Here is the entire thing

We live central PA and it’s been here for years. Not sure how this happened. I won’t be raining tomorrow a part of me wants to trim it all away. But it will look terrible.

Compare to volutella boxwood blight - https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-26.pdf

Looks just plain fried to me. Too cold temperatures + sun = winterburn. This past winter, we saw the coldest temperature in more than ten years, and the serious cold was south of us - NYC, PA, NJ.

Yes it was really cold. Should I trim and buy something from Home Depot for it?

Volutella is an opportunistic pathogen that is typically triggered by boxwoods undergoing stress from cold damage, drought and/or winter burn. It is very common to appear with any new spring growth.

Read the publication I linked to.

My guess winter kill this is the help I found. You will not get back to pretty but it will survive if you are lucky . We had 4 days deep freeze where I live in 2024 January I lost roses, and a pear tree that I was sure was dead but now growing like crazy .

To address winter-killed boxwood, focus on removing dead or damaged tissue and promoting new growth. In early spring, after new growth has started, prune back dead or brown branches to live, healthy tissue, often deeper within the plant. Ensure the interior of the plant is well-ventilated by removing dense branches, which can trap moisture and lead to disease. If the boxwood is severely damaged, it may be necessary to replace it with a plant more suited to the climate. Detailed Steps:

1. 1. Assess the Damage:In the spring, after new growth emerges, carefully examine the boxwood for dead or damaged branches and foliage.
2. 2. Prune:If you find dead or brown tissue, cut it back to the point where you see green, healthy tissue, either on the stem or in the bud. This may mean removing a significant portion of the branch, but it allows the plant to focus energy on new growth.
3. 3. Ensure Ventilation:Remove dense interior branches to improve air circulation within the plant. This helps prevent fungal and other diseases.
4. 4. Consider Mulching:Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the boxwood to help retain soil moisture and protect the roots.
5. 5. Protect from Future Damage:If the area experiences frequent winter damage, consider planting boxwoods in a sheltered location or providing a physical barrier to protect them from harsh winds.
6. 6. Replace if Necessary:If the boxwood is severely damaged and shows no signs of recovery, it may be best to replace it with a plant better suited to the local climate.

Important Considerations:

• Timing:Avoid pruning boxwoods during periods of wet weather, as this can increase the risk of disease.
• Salt Damage:If the boxwood has been affected by salt-laden snow and ice, consider applying gypsum to neutralize the salt and help it leach out of the soil.
• Boxwood Blight:If you suspect boxwood blight, a serious disease, contact a local nursery or expert for diagnosis and treatment, as it may require removal and disposal of infected plants.
• Boxwood Winter Care: How to avoid boxwood winter burn - MonroviaSep 15, 2022 — How to Care for Boxwoods With Winter Burn or Other Damage. If plants have dead stems, remove these stems by cutting th...Monrovia
• Winter Burn - Wisconsin HorticultureMar 2, 2024 — For evergreens such as arborvitaes, boxwoods, junipers and yews, prune out dead, brown, damaged or dying tissue in mid-Wisconsin Horticulture
• Boxwood: Identify and Manage Common ProblemsAug 12, 2024 — Management * Winter damage can be reduced by locating plants in partially shaded areas protected from winter winds. *University of Maryland Extension
• Show all

Also consider timing of pruning/shearing If too early in spring or too late in summer, new growth could be damagedby a late or early cold spell.