Why We Don’t Offer the Boxelder (Acer negundo) Tree at Our Nursery
The Boxelder tree is a native species to much of South Dakota and grows very quickly, providing shade faster than many other trees. It has a place in native ecosystems, particularly near streams and rivers.
However, as a local grower specializing in resilient plants for the Black Hills region, we have decided not to include the Boxelder in our inventory. While you may see them growing wild in the area, we have chosen to focus our inventory on trees that provide reliable, long-term landscape value without the common issues associated with the Boxelder.
Our priority is offering trees that thrive in a residential setting without becoming a nuisance.
Reason 1: The Boxelder Bug Infestation
The most significant issue with this tree in a home landscape is the infamous boxelder bug. Female Boxelder trees (the ones that produce seeds) are primary hosts for these insects. In late summer and fall, large populations of bugs aggregate on the trees and then seek refuge inside homes, becoming a major nuisance pest during the winter months. We prefer to help you avoid this common household problem by recommending alternative, bug-resistant trees.
Reason 2: Weak Wood and Frequent Damage
The Boxelder is known for its fast, almost weedy growth habit. This quick growth results in weak, brittle wood.
- Storm Damage: The weak branches break easily during wind, snow, and ice storms common in the Black Hills, creating frequent cleanup tasks and posing a hazard to power lines, roofs, and property.
- Short Lifespan: Compared to sturdier native trees like the Bur Oak, the Boxelder has a relatively short lifespan, often declining after just 30 to 50 years.
Reason 3: Aggressive Self-Seeding and Maintenance
As a native, the Boxelder is a prolific self-seeder. Female trees drop hundreds of seeds, which rapidly sprout throughout your lawn, garden beds, and even sidewalk cracks. This turns what should be a low-maintenance landscape tree into a constant battle against unwanted saplings.
Our Recommended Alternatives
If you are looking for a hardy, dependable shade tree that is better suited for a residential landscape in the Black Hills, we recommend superior options that we proudly carry:
- Amur Maple Tree: A beautiful, manageable size with strong wood and fantastic fall color.
- American Linden: A robust shade tree known for its strong structure, fragrant flowers, and longevity.
- Bur Oak: A tough, native tree that is perfectly suited for South Dakota, offering long-term shade and resilience without the pests or weak wood.
We carefully curate our inventory to ensure that every plant you get from Black Hills Gardens is set up for success in your specific yard.