How To Fix Holes In Boxwood Shrubs

You can fix holes in boxwood shrubs with a combination of pruning, training, and a little patience.
 
If you’ve noticed bare spots or gaps in your boxwood shrubs, you’re probably wondering how to fix holes in boxwood shrubs without replacing the entire plant.
 
The good news is that fixing holes in boxwood shrubs is totally doable, and you don’t need to be a professional landscaper to pull it off.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to fix holes in boxwood shrubs, what causes those gaps in the first place, and how to keep your shrubs looking full and healthy going forward.
 
Let’s jump into it.
 

How to Fix Holes in Boxwood Shrubs With Pruning and Training

When you learn how to fix holes in boxwood shrubs, the first method that works is strategic pruning and branch training.
 
These two techniques alone can close up most small to medium holes without much fuss.
 

1. Identify the Cause of the Hole First

Before you start cutting or bending branches, figure out why you’re trying to fix holes in boxwood shrubs in the first place.
 
Common causes include winter damage, pest infestations like boxwood leafminer, fungal diseases, or simply uneven growth from improper pruning.
 
If the cause is still active, like an ongoing pest problem, treat that first before you attempt to fix holes in boxwood shrubs.
 
Otherwise, the same hole will just reappear after you’ve done all the work.
 

2. Use Selective Pruning to Encourage New Growth

One of the most effective ways to fix holes in boxwood shrubs is to prune back the surrounding healthy branches.
 
By cutting just above a leaf node on the branches around the hole, you stimulate new growth that will fill in the gap over time.
 
When you fix holes in boxwood shrubs this way, make sure you’re using clean, sharp pruning shears.
 
Dull blades can crush the stems and slow down recovery, which is the opposite of what you want.
 

3. Train Adjacent Branches Into the Bare Spot

If you want to fix holes in boxwood shrubs faster, physically guide neighboring branches into the empty area.
 
Gently bend flexible branches toward the hole and secure them with soft plant ties or garden twine.
 
After a few weeks, those branches will hold their new position, and the foliage will start covering the hole.
 
This is a hands-on way to fix holes in boxwood shrubs that gives you almost instant visual improvement.
 

4. Pinch Back New Growth to Promote Bushiness

After you’ve pruned and trained, keep pinching back the tips of new shoots throughout the growing season.
 
Each time you pinch, the shrub branches out more, which naturally helps fix holes in boxwood shrubs from the inside out.
 
This technique works especially well in spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing.
 

How to Fix Holes in Boxwood Shrubs Using Layering and Replacement

For larger or deeper holes, you might need to fix holes in boxwood shrubs using layering techniques or by adding new plants.
 
These methods take a bit more effort but work well for stubborn gaps.
 

1. Ground Layering to Fill Large Gaps

Ground layering is a propagation trick that can fix holes in boxwood shrubs by rooting a branch right where you need it.
 
Take a long, flexible branch from the side of the shrub, bend it down to the ground in the hole area, and bury a small section of the stem under soil.
 
Keep the tip of the branch exposed and pointing upward.
 
Over a few months, the buried section will develop roots, and you can then cut the new plant free from the parent.
 
This is a very natural way to fix holes in boxwood shrubs because the new growth matches the existing plant perfectly.
 

2. Plant a New Boxwood in the Gap

If the hole is too large for training or layering, you can fix holes in boxwood shrubs by planting a new boxwood right in the bare spot.
 
Choose a variety that matches your existing shrubs in size, color, and growth habit.
 
Dig a hole just deep enough for the root ball, place the new plant, and backfill with good soil.
 
Water it in well and keep it evenly moist for the first few weeks.
 
This method to fix holes in boxwood shrubs gives you instant fullness, though you may need to do a little shaping later to blend the new plant with the old ones.
 

3. Use Mulch and Fertilizer to Speed Recovery

No matter which method you choose to fix holes in boxwood shrubs, giving the plant a little boost helps it recover faster.
 
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and moist.
 
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring.
 
This extra care supports the new growth that will ultimately fix holes in boxwood shrubs more quickly.
 

How to Prevent Holes in Boxwood Shrubs From Coming Back

Once you’ve learned how to fix holes in boxwood shrubs, you’ll want to keep them from reappearing.
 
Prevention is easier than constantly patching gaps, so here’s what to focus on.
 

1. Prune Properly and Consistently

The best way to prevent holes is to prune boxwoods with a light hand and on a regular schedule.
 
Avoid cutting into old, woody interior branches that have no leaves, because those spots rarely regrow.
 
Instead, trim only the green outer growth and do it once or twice a year.
 
Consistent light pruning helps you avoid ever having to fix holes in boxwood shrubs in the first place.
 

2. Protect Against Pests and Diseases

Boxwood leafminer, psyllids, and fungal diseases like Volutella blight can all create holes by killing leaves and stems.
 
Inspect your shrubs regularly for signs of trouble, like yellowing leaves, dieback, or tiny flying insects.
 
Treat issues early with appropriate controls, and you won’t need to fix holes in boxwood shrubs as often.
 

3. Provide Winter Protection

Winter burn is a common reason people need to fix holes in boxwood shrubs.
 
Harsh wind and sun can dry out the foliage, causing brown patches and dead spots.
 
Wrap your boxwoods in burlap or apply an anti-desiccant spray in late fall to shield them.
 
This simple step can save you from having to fix holes in boxwood shrubs come spring.
 

So, How to Fix Holes in Boxwood Shrubs?

You can fix holes in boxwood shrubs with pruning, branch training, layering, or replacement.
 
Start by identifying the cause, then choose the method that best fits the size and location of the hole.
 
For small gaps, selective pruning and pinching new growth will fill things in over a season or two.
 
For larger holes, try ground layering or planting a new boxwood to restore the look immediately.
 
And with consistent pruning, pest control, and winter protection, you can keep your shrubs so full that you’ll rarely need to fix holes in boxwood shrubs again.
 
Hope this guide helps you tackle those bare spots and get your boxwoods looking lush and healthy.