How to save boxwoods with orange leaves

Dear Ms. Binnetti,
I have short hedges of common boxwood growing on both sides of my front cement sidewalk. They get full sun until late in the day, and this area gets very hot. I didn’t realize until too late, but my drip hose was not working. The shrubs have paled and taken on an orangish color that I think is heat stress. I have not clipped them or applied any fertilizer yet this year. My watering problem is now corrected. The soil is a neutral pH. Is there hope for these boxwoods? Will they green-up this year? Do you recommend pruning? I don’t wish to stress the plants further, but I can’t imagine those orangish leaves will produce new growth. Thanks for your advice,

Posted by oaktree on June 15, 2015