deciduous tree
Boxelder: pruning, storm risk and removal
Acer negundo. Also called Box elder, Ash-leaf maple, Manitoba maple.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Boxelder at a glance
| Height | 30-50 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 2-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-75 years, often shorter |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Widespread across most of the United States and southern Canada, often along streams and in disturbed ground |
| Roots | Shallow and spreading. The tree seeds in easily and sprouts quickly in fence lines, ditches and neglected corners. |
| Wood | Soft, light and weak. It is a poor firewood with low heat. It is sometimes called a trash tree, but it does provide food and cover for wildlife. |
| Storm risk | highThe wood is soft and brittle. Trunks often fork low, grow crooked and decay, and limbs tend to break in wind and ice. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a boxelder
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter, or in summer. Remove dead limbs, weak forks and hazards. Keep pruning light and regular.
Avoid pruning
Avoid topping and large cuts. Do not prune in early spring when sap is running. Do not leave stubs, since decay sets in quickly.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Pull or cut seedlings young. Once they are large, removal costs go up and stumps resprout.
- The tree is known for attracting boxelder bugs, which are mostly a nuisance and can gather on sunny walls in fall.
- Do not plant one near the house or power lines. Choose a sturdier shade tree.
- Have large old trees inspected for cracks, dead limbs and decay.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on boxelder
- 1Expect leaning, multi-stem trees with hidden decay. Check each stem before climbing.
- 2Tension and brittle wood can make cuts behave in odd ways. Rig larger limbs.
- 3Plan for resprouts after a removal and discuss stump grinding or treatment with the customer.
- 4Look for round exit holes and report them, since boxelder can host wood-boring beetles.
Removal notes
Many boxelders in yards are self-seeded and have multiple weak stems, often leaning into fences, wires or roofs. Check for decay, hollows and tension before cutting. Stumps and root collars resprout strongly, so expect the customer to ask about stump grinding or treatment. Wood is light but brittle.
Wood
Soft, light and weak. It is a poor firewood with low heat. It is sometimes called a trash tree, but it does provide food and cover for wildlife.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for boxelder
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where boxelder grows
Native range: Widespread across most of the United States and southern Canada, often along streams and in disturbed ground
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Boxelder: common questions
Is a boxelder really a maple?
Yes. It is in the maple family, but it has compound leaves with three to seven leaflets instead of the single lobed leaf most maples have. The seeds are winged like other maples.
How do I tell boxelder from poison ivy or ash?
Boxelder leaves grow in pairs across from each other, like ash, but its twigs are often green and smooth and its leaflets are lobed or toothed. Young seedlings are often mistaken for poison ivy, so use gloves if unsure and ask a local expert.
Why do I have boxelder bugs?
The bugs feed on boxelder seeds and gather on warm walls in fall looking for places to shelter. Removing female seed-bearing trees may reduce numbers, but bugs can come from nearby trees.
Are boxelder trees weak?
Yes. The wood is soft and brittle and the tree often forks low. Large limbs commonly break in storms.
How do I stop a boxelder stump from sprouting?
Grinding the stump and removing as much root crown as possible helps. Some owners also treat fresh cuts, but ask a licensed professional about the safest method.
Should I remove a boxelder near my house?
Often yes, if the tree is large, decayed, leaning or hangs over the roof. A certified arborist can give a written opinion. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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