An Introduction to the Boxelder Tree
Type
The boxelder is a very common tree in Utah. It is a deciduous (meaning it sheds its leaves every year) maple that reaches heights of 50 feet and spreads 40 feet wide. The leaves are not divided, but rather have three to five pointed lobes with edges that are doubly toothed. Boxelders grow fast, have an open canopy, and don’t live very long–rarely longer than 70 years. They make great shade trees because they self-prune, so you don’t have to worry about pruning them yourself or having dead or dying branches hanging over your house.
Size and Growth Rate
Boxelder trees can grow to be about 40 feet (around 12 meters) tall and wide on average, but they can also reach a maximum height of 70 feet (21 meters). However, there are also some specimens that only grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length.
On average, boxelder trees grow at a rate of 2 feet every year. They are considered fast-growing trees and can quickly become overgrown or unmanageable if left unchecked.
Soil Conditions
The Boxelder Maple is a hearty tree, but it does have its preferences. The ideal soil type for the Boxelder Maple is sandy loam, or soil that has an equal balance of sand, silt and clay. Sandy loam tends to be easy to work with and drains well without retaining too much water. On the other hand, clay soils tend to retain excess water and drain poorly, which can cause root rot in your Boxelder Maple.
It’s also important to keep your Boxelder Maple moderately moist at all times. Drought can kill your tree; however, excessive water can also cause root death. To ensure that you don’t over- or underwater your maple, conduct a test known as the finger test: Insert one finger into the soil around your tree’s base until you reach the first joint in your finger (about 1 inch down). If the soil feels dry at this depth, it’s time to give it some more water!
Temperature and Humidity Zones
Boxelders can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 1-7, but these are the only ones in which it will do well. While you may see some growth and even fruit production with a boxelder in zones 8-10, this tree is not suited to hot weather. Additionally, it won’t thrive in the cold; while it can survive winter conditions of -50°F or lower, your best bet is to grow one at a latitude far enough south that it rarely drops below 0°F.
Watering Needs
Watering Needs
Boxelder trees are drought tolerant so they do not need a lot of water. Do not waterlog the ground, as this will lead to root rot. During dry periods, water the boxelder tree thoroughly. Once established in your landscape, it can handle dry spells without extra care. Water the plant heavily during droughts and when young to help get its roots established quickly in the soil below it. This encourages more robust growth and helps it become less susceptible to disease issues.
Light Exposure for Boxelder Trees
Boxelder trees grow best in full sunlight. They can handle some partial shade but grow tallest if they receive full sun, which tends to be at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Full sun helps the tree grow more leaves and branches faster, which makes it taller. If you have a Boxelder tree that isn’t growing very tall, try cutting back some lower branches to improve air circulation around its base.
Pruning Needs for the Boxelder Tree
If you are considering the Boxelder Tree, you might be interested to know that it is not a high-maintenance tree. It has minimal pruning needs, and generally does not require much assistance to grow.
Generally, dead branches can be pruned at any time of year as needed. Branches too close together should be thinned out regularly to improve air circulation through the canopy. Lastly, branches that are too close to the ground or house should be thinned out regularly as well.
If a boxelder tree is in your yard, you can care for it by making sure it has enough water, but too much water will kill it.
Watering your boxelder tree is an important part of its care, but perhaps the most difficult task. Boxelder trees like moist soil. They do not like to be waterlogged, however. Too much water kills the tree. If you water too little, your tree will become stressed and susceptible to pests or disease. As a general rule of thumb, in the first 2-3 years after planting a young boxelder tree in your yard, you should water it at least once per week during the growing season (April through September) and whenever there’s less than 1 inch of rainfall per week between April and October.
This may sound like a lot, but it is important for optimal health during this crucial period as the roots are becoming established in their new home and adjusting to their environment. In subsequent years, unless you are experiencing a drought or other dry period for weeks on end, you can reduce watering down to once every two weeks or so when it’s dry outside—or simply wait until there is less than 1 inch of rainfall per week between April and October to give the tree a good drink from your garden hose!