Box Hedge Random Dieback: Nutrient Deficiency or pH Issue

Likely Causes

Random yellowing/death in established box hedge = soil chemistry shift:

• Low nitrogen.
• Low iron (high pH locks it).
• High alkalinity (pH >7.5).

Diagnosis

1. Soil test: pH, N, Fe.
2. Photos: Email for visual assessment. jdcawly@mckendree.edu

Corrective

• pH >7: Elemental sulfur + chelated iron (EDDHA).
• Low N: Slow-release balanced fertilizer.
• Water consistently (not wet).

Years of same mulch/fertilizer can shift pH. Test is cheap; guesswork is expensive.