New Jersey Imposed Quarantine on Boxwood Plants
The state restricted the movement of boxwood shrubs following the detection of the invasive box tree moth.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Gardening
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The New Jersey Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the invasive box tree moth in the southern portion of the state. Officials have issued a mandatory quarantine for boxwood plants in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties to stop the spread of the pest.
Why it matters
The box tree moth larvae feed exclusively on Buxus species plants and can kill entire shrubs within a single growing season. Because the pest faces few natural predators in North America, populations often grow rapidly, threatening local garden landscapes.
The New Jersey boxwood industry generates $9.8 million in annual economic activity. Larvae can destroy entire boxwood shrubs within a single growing season.
The players
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
This state agency is responsible for overseeing agricultural health, enforcing plant quarantines, and managing invasive species programs throughout New Jersey.
The details
The box tree moth spreads primarily through the trade and transport of infested nursery stock, with egg masses, larvae, or pupae hitching rides on container-grown plants. The quarantine restricts the movement of boxwood plants, debris, and dead material out of the three affected southern counties.
Timeline
September 2026: The New Jersey Department of Agriculture confirmed the local detection.
2021: The box tree moth was first detected in the United States.
2018: The moth was first detected in Toronto.
2006-07: The moth was first detected in Germany.
Culture Shift
The current infestation in New Jersey follows the established historical pattern observed during the 15-year spread of the box tree moth through Europe. This trend highlights the ongoing challenge of managing invasive species as they move through international nursery trade networks.
Residents and gardeners in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties must strictly follow quarantine rules regarding the disposal or transport of boxwood materials. These regulations aim to prevent the further spread of the moth, which can destroy residential shrubbery within one season.
The takeaway
Homeowners in affected areas should inspect their boxwood shrubs for signs of larvae or pupae and avoid moving potentially infested plant material to unaffected regions. Reporting findings to state agricultural authorities helps manage the population density of the invasive moth.
Further reading
For more information on protecting your landscape, visit the Gardening section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyCentralJersey.
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Should the government restrict moving landscape plants to prevent the spread of invasive insects?
