MALP NEWSLINE SUMMER 2025 | Seite 26

BRIAN PAIGE

PLANT RECEIVES HEALTHBEACON AWARD

Provide additional irrigation weekly( approximately 2” for new plantings, 1” for established ones) until the ground freezes. Drip irrigation is preferable.

Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature fluctuations.

Avoid quick-release nitrogen fertilizers in the fall. These stimulate new green growth, which is more susceptible to winter injury than mature growth.

Reprinted from UMass Hort Notes Vol. 36:4, June 2025

Boxwood winter injury. Photo: Angela Madeiras

Winter Injury on Boxwood

By Dr. Angie Madeiras, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab

Many evergreen trees and shrubs are susceptible to winter injury, and boxwoods are no exception. Winter injury appears as areas of bronze, tan, or brown foliage that become noticeable in winter or early spring. The damage is often seen on the south or southwest side of shrubs in exposed areas.

Intense sunlight and wind during the winter months can increase the rate of water loss from the leaves. Winter injury occurs when roots cannot take up water from frozen soil to replace the water that is lost through leaves. Drought stress in the fall makes boxwoods more susceptible to winter injury. In addition, new growth in the fall may not have had sufficient time to harden off before the temperature dropped.

Branches with dead foliage may produce new leaves if the buds have not been killed. Identify dead or dying branches in mid-spring after new foliage has been produced. If in doubt, scratch the surface of the stem with your fingernail: live stems will be green underneath. Prune out dead and dying branches.

The best way to prevent winter injury on boxwoods is through appropriate site selection, plant care, and protection from the elements.

Avoid areas with southern or western exposure. Plant in areas that offer some protection from the sun, especially in the afternoon.

Plant in areas that provide some protection from the wind or install a wind break. Plant boxwoods in spring or in late summer so there is time for root establishment before winter.

BRIAN PAIGE

Gas

RECEIVES vs. Electric continued

BEACON AWARD

and requiring fewer pre-operation checks. However, battery life can be a limitation, requiring careful planning for charging. Some models offer interchangeable batteries to extend usage time. Gas mowers are more suitable for covering large areas without the concern of battery life. However, they require regular refueling and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and messy. In terms of user experience, electric lawnmowers offer greater convenience with less maintenance and quieter operation, while gas mowers provide continuous power and are better suited for large, demanding tasks.

Overall, electric mowers are becoming increasingly popular in the residential space, driven by environmental concerns and advancements in battery technology. However, they are still lagging in the commercial market due to their higher costs and runtime limitations. Gas mowers continue to dominate heavy-duty commercial applications. Technological advancements in electric mower technology, such as longer-lasting batteries and faster charging times, are expected to improve their viability in commercial settings. Similarly, gas mower technology is evolving, with improvements in engine efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced durability.

In the future, as battery technology continues to improve and environmental regulations become stricter, the market may see a shift towards electric mowers. Increased environmental awareness and stricter regulations are likely to drive the adoption of electric mowers, particularly in areas with stringent emissions and noise standards.

Reprinted from Turf Magazine April 2025

MALP Newsline | Summer 2025 25