March weather is always unpredictable, however, if we have sustained periods of increased temperatures (above 50F) and spring rains, boxwood blight (BWB) can become an issue quickly.
[pictorial tri-fold] Common Boxwood Pests and Diseases (click-here). This includes Box Tree Moth images. Print the PDF out double-sided, then fold.
If you suspect Boxwood Blight and would like to have this verified – please contact the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (click here) for sample submission instructions
| Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/2/2026 | ||||||||
| Region | Location | Station
CODE |
MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT |
| 2-Mar | 3-Mar | 4-Mar | 5-Mar | 6-Mar | 7-Mar | |||
| Southern | Upper Deerfield | NJ50 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Infection Risk | Low | Low |
| Southern | Vineland | NJ73 | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Infection Risk | Infection Risk | Infection Risk |
| Southern | Millville | KMIV | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Infection Risk | Low | Low |
| Southern | Bridgeton | D4116 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Infection Risk | Low | Low |
| Southern | Mays Landing | G4661 | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Infection Risk | Low | Low |
| Central | Howell / Freehold | NJ10 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Central | Princeton | F0303 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Infection Risk | Very Low |
| Central | Somerville | F6261 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Infection Risk | Infection Risk |
| Northern | High Point | NJ59 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Low |
| Northern | Randolph | AU137 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Low |
| Northern | Belvidere | E7133 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Very Low |
| Please check your local boxwood blight risk at (https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app) | ||||||||
There is a minor potential for boxwood blight infections this Thursday, Friday, & Saturday throughout Southern and Central NJ. Incoming rains, coupled with warmer temperatures may initiate boxwood blight infections this week. This will likely extend into the following week with anticipated higher temperatures.
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It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in boxwoods throughout the state if you have not already done so.
- If BWB is important to your business – Use the USPEST – PUSH Alerts – (click here) – to setup weekly email alerts. Create an account, watch the tutorial, and then set up your subscriptions. You select which locations (as many as you like), days you want to receive emails, and what you would like to receive alerts about (BWB and a variety of other pests and diseases). Rutgers is not directly affiliated, however this is an incredible tool.
