Boxelder (Acer negundo) is a fast-growing maple recognizable by its opposite, compound leaves, usually with three to seven leaflets. Pull small seedlings when the soil is moist and remove all roots; larger trees may resprout after cutting, so stump treatment or professional removal may be needed depending on the site.
How to identify a boxelder tree
Boxelder is a maple, but unlike most familiar maples it has compound leaves: several leaflets attached to one leaf stem. The leaves grow opposite one another on the twig and generally have three to seven leaflets. Minnesota Extension identifies it as the only native maple in Minnesota with compound leaves. See its boxelder identification and care guide.
Female trees produce clusters of winged seeds called samaras. Minnesota Extension says they ripen in August to September; Wisconsin DNR notes seed clusters may remain from about August through much of winter. Timing varies by location. Confirm the opposite leaf arrangement and compound leaves before removing a tree, especially if it has no seeds. If you are uncertain, ask a local extension office or arborist to identify it.
Seedling or mature tree?
Boxelder is fast-growing and may appear in yards, fence rows, abandoned fields, and disturbed lots. Minnesota Extension gives a mature height and width range of 35 to 60 feet; those are species-level dimensions, not a prediction for every individual tree. A young seedling has a small stem and can usually be pulled by hand, while an established tree has a larger stem and root system that can resprout after cutting.
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Choose a removal method by size and site
| Plant or situation | Practical approach | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| New seedlings | Pull by hand when soil is moist; remove all roots. | Check again for new seedlings as samaras germinate. [USDA guide: Managing Invasive Plants] |
| Saplings | A tree wrench may help extract a sapling. | Choose a method that removes the plant or prevents regrowth; pulling or cutting may be difficult as the root system develops. [USDA guide: Managing Invasive Plants] |
| Larger stems | Plan for stump treatment if cutting, rather than leaving the stump untreated. | Boxelder commonly resprouts from an intact or untreated stump. [Wisconsin DNR: Boxelder; Iowa State: Will a boxelder tree grow back after cutting?] |
| Large or hazardous tree | Arrange a site-specific assessment by a qualified local arborist. | Take extra care near buildings, utilities, or where the tree’s fall direction is uncertain. |
Removing seedlings and saplings
For new seedlings, choose a time when the soil is moist and pull slowly so the roots come out rather than breaking at the surface. Remove the roots, then revisit the area: seeds can germinate after the initial cleanup. The USDA guide recommends tree wrenches for saplings, but the right approach depends on stem size and site conditions.
Why cutting a larger boxelder may not be enough
Cutting the stem does not necessarily kill the root system. Wisconsin DNR recommends treating cut stumps with an appropriate herbicide, and Iowa State says boxelder usually resprouts from an intact or untreated stump. If cutting is your chosen method, account for regrowth rather than assuming the stump will die on its own.
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Herbicide methods require site-specific decisions
The USDA guide discusses cut-stump, basal-bark, and foliar approaches. The suitable method depends on plant size, timing, nearby desirable plants, and the product’s current label. Some treatments can injure non-target plants through root uptake. Follow the label and local requirements, and do not transfer a rate from a guide written for another region as though it were universal. For method details, consult the USDA management guide and the product label applicable to your location.
When to hire an arborist
Mature boxelders can reach 35 to 60 feet in height and width, and Minnesota Extension describes their wood as brittle and weak, with risk of wind and ice damage. Removal near a building or utility, or where the tree’s fall direction is uncertain, calls for a qualified local arborist rather than an improvised cutting plan. These general species facts do not assess the condition or hazards of a particular tree. See Minnesota Extension’s boxelder guide for its size and wood characteristics.
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Removing boxelder trees will not necessarily solve boxelder bugs
If the reason for removal is recurring boxelder bugs around the house, removing a yard tree is generally not a reliable standalone fix. University of Minnesota Extension says, “Removing boxelder trees in your yard is not a good way to manage boxelder bugs.” Adult bugs can fly from their food source, so they may reach a home from elsewhere. Virginia Tech notes that a particular female tree that attracts bugs year after year may be considered for removal, but removing boxelders solely to avoid the insects is not generally necessary. See University of Minnesota Extension’s boxelder bug guidance and Virginia Tech’s boxelder bug information.
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