deciduous tree
Osage Orange: pruning, storm risk and removal
Maclura pomifera. Also called Hedge apple, Hedge tree, Bois d'arc, Horse apple.
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.
Osage Orange at a glance
| Height | 30-50 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium to fast |
| USDA zones | 4-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-100 years, some live longer |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | A small native area in the south-central United States, mainly the Red River region of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It was widely planted as a hedgerow and windbreak and now grows across much of the eastern and central U.S. |
| Roots | Deep and spreading, with tough, orange-tinted roots. The tree sprouts readily from roots and cut stumps, and it handles drought, wind and poor soil well. |
| Wood | Extremely hard, heavy and decay-resistant. It was long used for fence posts and bows. It makes outstanding firewood with very high heat but can spark and pop, and it is tough on saw chains. |
| Storm risk | lowThe wood is one of the hardest and densest in North America. Hedgerow trees are often crooked, multi-stemmed and thorny, so limbs can still fail where old cuts or decay are present. |
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 osage orange
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter while dormant, or in summer. Wear thick gloves and eye protection, since the thorns are sharp. Thin out crowded sprouts and remove dead wood.
Avoid pruning
Avoid hand-pruning without protection. Avoid heavy cuts that trigger many new thorny sprouts. Do not top the tree.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- The softball-sized green fruit is not a normal tree fruit and is not good to eat. It is messy when it falls, so avoid planting over a lawn or driveway.
- Choose a thornless male type if you want one in a yard. Male trees do not make the large fruit.
- Wear thick gloves and eye protection for any work near the thorns.
- Expect root and stump sprouts after any cut. Mow or grind them regularly.
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 osage orange
- 1Wear thorn-resistant gloves and eye protection. Thorns can puncture boots and tires.
- 2Check hedgerow trees for old wire and fence hardware. Metal in the wood can damage chains.
- 3Bring extra sharp chains. The wood is very dense.
- 4Plan stump grinding and cleanup of sprouts, and tell the customer the roots will resprout.
Removal notes
Expect thorns, dense multi-stem growth and very hard, heavy wood. Hedgerow trees are often tangled with fence wire, so check for metal before cutting. Chains dull quickly. Stumps and roots resprout strongly, so plan stump grinding or ask a licensed pro about treatment. The firewood and posts can have real value for the customer.
Wood
Extremely hard, heavy and decay-resistant. It was long used for fence posts and bows. It makes outstanding firewood with very high heat but can spark and pop, and it is tough on saw chains.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for osage orange
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 osage orange grows
Native range: A small native area in the south-central United States, mainly the Red River region of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It was widely planted as a hedgerow and windbreak and now grows across much of the eastern and central U.S.
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.
Osage Orange: common questions
Do hedge apples repel spiders and insects?
It is a popular home tip, but there is no solid research that shows they keep spiders or insects away. Extension services generally say it does not work reliably.
Is the fruit of an Osage orange edible?
People do not normally eat it. It is hard, sticky and tough, and the milky sap can irritate skin. Wildlife such as squirrels may eat the seeds.
Why do hedgerow Osage orange trees have thorns?
They were planted close together as thorny living fences before barbed wire became common. The thorns grow on twigs and branches, and they are sharpest on young, vigorous growth.
Is Osage orange good firewood?
Yes, it burns with high heat and lasts a long time. It can be hard to split, and it can spark and pop while burning.
How do I stop Osage orange sprouts?
Grind the stump and remove as many of the roots as possible, and mow sprouts regularly. Some owners treat fresh cuts, but ask a licensed professional about safe methods.
Should I remove an old Osage orange tree?
It may be a good idea if the tree is dead, leaning toward a structure or has large decayed limbs. A certified arborist can inspect it. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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