Trees We Care For: Boxelders

Some trees are almost universally beloved. 

You’ll rarely hear people complain about a white oak (Quercus alba), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), or ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) growing on their property. 

But the opposite is also true. No one wants to discover a tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) or empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) growing in their yard.  

However, while many of the trees people don’t care for are exotic invasives, there is at least one native species that often elicits a similar reaction: the boxelder tree (Acer negundo). It’s certainly not universally despised, but it can cause headaches in some cases. 

The Boxelder Basics 

We’ll explain some of the reasons many property owners dislike boxelder trees in a moment, but let’s begin by sharing some basic information about their unusual name, biology, and habitat preferences. 

Why Are They Called Boxelders? 

Boxelders are named for a combination of two factors: Their wood was historically used in the manufacture of crates (“box”) and they look like European elder trees (“elder”).  

However, they’re not closely related to elder trees. In fact, boxelders are actually a type of maple tree. They’re even categorized in the same genus as red, sugar, silver, and Japanese maples (Acer). 

In many ways, boxelders are pretty maple-like. They often grow in the same habitats that red maples (Acer rubrum) do, and their winged samaras look relatively similar to those of the Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum). 

But they also have at least one characteristic that sets them apart from all of the maples found in Michigan: They have compound leaves. This is why boxelders are often known by another name: ash-leaf maples. 

Boxelder Biology 

Boxelders are fast-growing deciduous trees that may reach up to 75 feet in height. They typically function as “pioneer” species that are among the first trees to colonize land after a disturbance (such as fire or clear cutting). 

Like many other fast-growing pioneers, boxelders have fairly weak, brittle wood. Also like many other pioneer species, they tend to have short lifespans; unlike sugar maples, which may occasionally reach 300 years of age or more, boxelders rarely survive for more than 75 years. 

Boxelders are a dioecious species, meaning that unlike many other tree species, male and female flowers are found on separate trees. 

Boxelder Range & Habitat

As mentioned earlier, boxelders are native to Michigan. In fact, they’re found across a large swath of the United States and Canada, from Texas, across to Georgia, up the coast as far as New York, and across the Midwest and Great Plains states. 

The boxelder is a very adaptable tree, but it is most common in floodplains, riparian areas, and other low-lying, damp habitats. In some places, it can form entire groves consisting almost entirely of boxelders. 

Like many other species that thrive in these kinds of areas, boxelders usually adapt well to urban and suburban conditions. 

Why Do Some People Dislike Boxelders? 

Most of the scorn boxelders receive is due to one of five reasons: 

1. They usually aren’t considered terribly attractive. Aesthetic value is obviously a subjective matter, but boxelders rarely exhibit the kind of picturesque form that some other trees do. They frequently produce multiple trunks and a large number of epicormic growth (water sprouts). 
2. They produce shallow, widely spreading root systems. Like willows, river birches, and some other trees that commonly grow in damp areas, boxelders produce very shallow root systems that can damage utilities and hardscapes. 
3. Their weak wood can present safety issues. Boxelders usually don’t fare very well in strong storms, and they sometimes even shed limbs or fall over during calm conditions. This can create significant risks when they grow near sidewalks, homes, or parks. 
4. They produce a lot of “litter.” It can be very difficult to maintain a tidy appearance under a boxelder tree. Not only will you be having to collect broken branches from time to time, but the female trees also produce a large number of winged seeds, called samaras (“helicopters”). 
5. They attract boxelder bugs. Boxelders are the preferred food source for small insects called boxelder bugs. Boxelder bugs are completely harmless, but they can be quite a nuisance, as they often invade homes in the fall while looking for a safe place to spend the winter. 

It’s important to understand that these issues aren’t always a problem. 

Boxelders growing away from structures and high-traffic areas rarely present safety risks, damage hardscapes, or cause insect problems, and the litter issues they create aren’t a big deal for properties with a natural aesthetic. And for that matter, some people find boxelders attractive. 

It’s also worth noting that boxelders are valuable components of our local ecosystems, and they provide a wealth of resources for local wildlife species. 

Caring for Boxelders in Michigan

No matter how you feel about your boxelders, it’s important that you provide them with proper care — even if you intend to have them removed in the near future. You’ll want them to remain as healthy and stable as possible to avoid safety issues. 

Fortunately, boxelders are pretty easy to care for by simply:

• Protecting the trees from damage. Tree wounds last forever and expose the tree to fungal pathogens and decay. So, do everything you can to prevent lawn maintenance equipment, pedestrians, vehicles, and wildlife from harming the tree. 
• Applying a layer of organic mulch over the roots. A 2- to 4-inch-thick layer of wood chips will help protect the roots from damage, moderate soil temperatures, and retain moisture, among other things. Just don’t pile the mulch directly against the tree’s trunk. 
• Providing supplemental water when appropriate. Mature, established boxelders can usually tolerate brief dry spells, but you should consider providing supplemental water during extended droughts (especially if the temperatures are also high). 
• Conducting periodic soil tests. It’s always a good idea to know what is happening with your soil chemistry. Boxelders rarely require soil amendments, but it is better to avoid guesswork and know for sure the soil is providing all the nutrients the trees need.  
• Having them professionally pruned every few years. Having your boxelder pruned every three to five years helps to keep your tree healthy and eliminate any dead, dying, or damaged branches. It also gives your arborist the chance to examine your tree up close.  

Signs of Trouble: What’s Wrong with My Boxelder Tree?

Boxelders can suffer from a variety of health and structural problems that homeowners and property managers should watch for. This will help you know whether your tree needs professional care. 

Some of the most common signs that your boxelder tree needs help include: 

Premature Fall Color

Because boxelders are deciduous trees, it’s normal for the leaves to change color in the autumn. But when this occurs in the spring or summer, it can be a sign of stress, pests, or disease. 

Leaf Discoloration 

Except during the fall color change, boxelder leaves should remain uniformly green. Leaves displaying spots or yellow coloration may indicate stress, soil chemistry problems, or fungal issues. 

Excessive Water Sprouts

Boxelder trees frequently produce water sprouts near pruning cuts, broken branches, and sometimes near the trunk base. However, they often produce this kind of growth in response to severe stress. 

Cankers or Other Bark Issues 

Cankers are diseased areas of tissue that result from fungal infections and may appear sunken or even wet to the touch. However, there are also a number of bacteria that can cause bark to ooze fluid. 

Insect Activity

In addition to boxelder bugs, a number of other insects may attack boxelder trees. Many only create aesthetic issues, but in large numbers, even relatively harmless species can cause problems. 

Common Boxelder Pests & Problems in Michigan

Boxelders are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, which may lead to declining health or even death. Many of these problems can be treated (and some require no treatment), but prompt action is necessary to achieve the best results. 

A few of the most notable issues boxelders suffer from include:

• Verticillium Wilt: Likely the most serious threat to boxelders, verticillium wilt is a soil-borne pathogen that clogs a tree’s vascular system, leading to wilting and death. 
• Anthracnose: Most common during cool and wet springs, anthracnose causes leaf spots and defoliation, but it’s usually not serious unless it happens repeatedly. 
• Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew causes a white to grey powdery substance to coat the leaves, which can disrupt the tree’s ability to photosynthesize effectively. 
• Slime Flux: Also called bacterial wetwood, this relatively benign condition causes foul-smelling fluid to ooze from a tree’s bark. 
• Boxelder Bugs: Boxelders don’t cause a lot of harm to otherwise healthy trees, but they can cause minor leaf distortion and premature seed drop. 
• Boxelder Aphids: Extensive boxelder aphid infestations can trigger leaf distortion or even premature leaf drop, but they’re generally not serious. 
• Boxelder Leafrollers: Boxelder leafrollers can cause cosmetic damage via their feeding, as well as their habit of rolling the leaf around themselves for protection. 

Red Flags: Signs Your Boxelder May Need to Be Removed

Even if you like your boxelder tree, it’s important to note that they can become hazardous and require removal. The only way to know for certain that your boxelder is dangerous is by having a professional arborist evaluate it, but the following clues often indicate an elevated risk:

• An Increasing Lean: Trees that develop a lean slowly over the course of many years can often remain stable for some time, but those that begin leaning suddenly are often at imminent risk of collapse and should be evaluated immediately. 
• Mounding Soil Near the Base: If you see mounding soil near the base of your tree that appears to have been “lifted,” you’ll want to have the tree assessed by an arborist promptly. This can indicate that the soil, roots, or both are failing. 
• Mushrooms or Conks on the Tree or Roots: Mushrooms indicate the presence of fungal activity inside the tree, and they are often associated with significant decay. This decay can weaken the tree and put it at risk of falling over or shedding large branches.  
• Hollows or Cavities: Like mushrooms and conks, hollows are often associated with advanced decay. It’s important to note that internal decay can spread extensively while only producing a relatively small cavity. 

Boxelder Trees in Michigan: FAQ

Still have questions about your boxelder tree? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common things our clients ask us about these trees below. 

What are the pros and cons of boxelder trees?

The benefits provided by boxelder trees include their ability to provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and feed wildlife, while their drawbacks include potential safety risks and problems with boxelder bugs. 

Should you remove boxelder trees?

Boxelders only need to be removed if they’re hazardous, causing problems with boxelder bugs, or they’re considered illegal in your specific city. However, a lot of property owners opt to have them removed, even if it is not strictly necessary. 

Is boxelder a junk tree?

We don’t like the term “junk tree,” as boxelders can still provide shade and environmental benefits. However, many people do consider them to be of relatively low value, and they can pop up all over some properties, thanks to their tendency to produce an abundance of seeds.

What problems do boxelder trees cause?

Boxelders can cause a variety of problems. Their weak wood can present safety hazards, while their invasive roots can damage hardscapes. Additionally, their tendency to attract boxelder bugs can lead to significant headaches.  

What’s the lifespan of a boxelder tree?

Most boxelder trees will live for about 50 to 75 years.

Should you plant boxelder trees near your home?

It’s typically not wise to plant boxelders in close proximity to your home, as they often shed large branches during inclement weather and their root systems can damage hardscapes.  

Are boxelders illegal in Michigan?

Boxelders are not illegal across the entire state of Michigan, but some cities and townships do prohibit homeowners from planting them. A few even mandate their removal in some cases (this usually only applies to female boxelders, as males don’t attract boxelder bugs). 

Treemendous Tree Care: We Can Help with Your Boxelder Trees

Whether you want a boxelder tree removed from an Eastpointe property, some pruning help in Roseville, or a consultation with a professional arborist in Warren, the Treemendous Tree Care team is standing by and ready to help. 

Simply head over to our contact page to speak with a representative or schedule a free estimate.  

Sources & References

• Michigan Legislature – “Act 32 of 1962: Destruction of Female Box Elder Trees”
  This official statutory document establishes the legal authority for Michigan townships and cities to declare female boxelder trees a public nuisance to prevent infestations of boxelder bugs.
  https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/RenderDoc?objectName=mcl-Act-32-of-1962#:~:text=124.151%20Female%20box%20elder%20trees,of%20female%20box%20elder%20trees.
• American Legal Publishing – “Howell, MI Code of Ordinances: Section 642.01 Nuisance Trees”
  This municipal code database outlines local regulations in Howell, Michigan, regarding the prohibition and removal of specific tree species deemed detrimental to public health or property.
  https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/howel/latest/howell_mi/0-0-0-25601
• Michigan State University Extension – “Boxelder Bugs Are a Real Nuisance This Time of Year”
  This educational article explains the seasonal behavior and life cycle of boxelder bugs, offering practical mechanical control methods for homeowners dealing with indoor migrations.
  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxelder_bugs_are_a_real_nuisance_this_time_of_year
• Michigan Flora – “Acer negundo L.”
  This botanical database entry mapping distribution across Michigan provides taxonomic documentation, physiological characteristics, and habitat preferences for the boxelder maple.
  https://michiganflora.net/record/2649