Clearing a fallen box elder branch, will seeds on a female tree sprout in my garden? - Ask Extension
The aged female tree in question needs to be taken all the way down this spring or fall. When can we do it so nesting woodpeckers aren't harmed? In th...
Knowledgebase
Clearing a fallen box elder branch, will seeds on a female tree sprout in my garden? #868397
Asked May 14, 2024, 1:14 PM EDT
The aged female tree in question needs to be taken all the way down this spring or fall. When can we do it so nesting woodpeckers aren't harmed? In the meantime, a large branch of that tree (with seeds) fell with the wind/rain last week. Is there a chance that those seeds could sprout my nearby lawn / garden? Can the seeds go through a wood chipper and chips be used for mulch without worry that I'd be planting more box elder trees? There are no male trees close by, although there may be a male tree within 300 feet proximity.
Story County Iowa
Expert Response
It is possible for the seeds to sprout even after passing through a chipper. It is not possible to predict how much of the seed will germinate. You may have very little, or it could be more. The best option is to watch for germination and pull seedlings if they emerge. You could potentially compost the debris after chipping. It will be important to make sure the compost gets warm enough (about 140 degrees F). If this is done before spreading the mulch, much of the seed will be killed and will not germinate.
A pre-emergent herbicide does not typically work well for tree seed (and is usually not labeled for that use).
Below are a few links that may be helpful.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-weedy-woody-plants
https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/4026
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/composting-faqs
There are seven native woodpeckers in Iowa. They nest in spring and summer. Some establish nests as early as March and others will be nesting as late as July. To avoid issues with removing a woodpecker home, you would not want to remove the tree while they are potentially nesting.
A pre-emergent herbicide does not typically work well for tree seed (and is usually not labeled for that use).
Below are a few links that may be helpful.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-weedy-woody-plants
https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/4026
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/composting-faqs
There are seven native woodpeckers in Iowa. They nest in spring and summer. Some establish nests as early as March and others will be nesting as late as July. To avoid issues with removing a woodpecker home, you would not want to remove the tree while they are potentially nesting.
