American vs English Boxwood Size Guide (Wood Grain & Growth Insights)

Introduction: Understanding Boxwood for Woodworking and Firewood

As someone who’s spent decades working with wood, from felling trees to crafting furniture and preparing firewood, I’ve learned that understanding the nuances of different wood species is crucial. Just like a seasoned chef knows their spices, a woodworker or firewood enthusiast needs to know their woods. Wear-and-tear on tools and equipment is a constant reality in this line of work, and selecting the right wood for the job can significantly reduce this. Today, I’m going to delve into the world of boxwood, specifically comparing American and English boxwood, focusing on their size, wood grain, growth habits, and how these factors impact their suitability for various applications. This isn’t just about identifying trees; it’s about understanding how these differences translate into practical considerations for wood processing, logging (though boxwood isn’t typically logged commercially), and even firewood preparation.

American vs. English Boxwood: A Deep Dive

Boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus, is a genus of about 70 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. The two most common types you’ll encounter, especially in ornamental settings, are American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). While both belong to the same species, they exhibit distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes.

Size and Growth Habit

• American Boxwood: This variety tends to grow larger and faster than its English counterpart. It can reach heights of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) with a spread of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters). The growth rate is moderate, typically adding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year.
• English Boxwood: English boxwood is much smaller and slower-growing. It typically reaches a mature height of only 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) with a similar spread. Its growth rate is significantly slower, often only 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) per year.

My Experience: I once worked on a landscaping project where the client initially wanted English boxwood hedging around a large garden. After explaining the time it would take for English boxwood to reach a desired height and density, and demonstrating the size difference with mature specimens, they opted for American boxwood for the majority of the hedge, using English boxwood only in specific, smaller areas where a more formal, compact look was desired. This saved them years of waiting.

Wood Grain and Density

• American Boxwood: The wood of American boxwood is very fine-grained, hard, and dense. This makes it excellent for carving, turning, and engraving.
• English Boxwood: Similar to American boxwood, English boxwood also has a fine grain, but due to its smaller size, the available wood is often limited to smaller pieces. The density is comparable to American boxwood.

Why This Matters: The fine grain of boxwood makes it ideal for detailed work. Think of carving intricate chess pieces or crafting small musical instruments. The density contributes to its strength and durability, meaning the finished product will last. However, this density also means it can be harder on tools, requiring sharper blades and more frequent sharpening.

Growth Insights: Factors Affecting Size and Quality

Several factors influence the size and quality of boxwood, regardless of the variety:

• Soil: Boxwood prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Heavy clay soils can lead to root rot, especially in English boxwood.
• Sunlight: While boxwood can tolerate shade, it thrives in partial to full sun. More sunlight generally leads to denser growth.
• Water: Consistent moisture is essential, especially during dry periods. However, overwatering can be detrimental.
• Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer applied in the spring can promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of wood density.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining the desired shape and size of boxwood. It also encourages denser growth.

Case Study: Improving Boxwood Growth: On a personal project, I inherited a property with some neglected American boxwood shrubs. They were leggy and sparse. I conducted a soil test and found the pH was too alkaline. I amended the soil with sulfur to lower the pH, improved drainage by adding compost, and started a regular pruning schedule. Over the next few years, the shrubs became significantly denser and healthier, demonstrating the importance of addressing these factors.

Suitability for Woodworking and Firewood

• American Boxwood: Due to its larger size, American boxwood is more suitable for woodworking projects that require larger pieces of wood. It’s ideal for carving, turning, and making small tools like mallets or handles.
• English Boxwood: English boxwood is primarily used for smaller, more delicate projects like carving small ornaments, inlays, or fine details on furniture.

Firewood Considerations: Boxwood is not typically used for firewood due to its small size and slow growth rate. It’s simply too valuable for other purposes. However, if you happen to have some boxwood scraps, they can be burned in a small stove or fireplace. The wood burns hot and clean, with a pleasant aroma.

Tool Specifications: When working with boxwood, I recommend using high-quality tools with sharp blades. For carving, consider using a set of carving knives with different shapes and sizes. For turning, a lathe with variable speed control is essential. For cutting, a sharp handsaw or a bandsaw with a fine-tooth blade will produce the cleanest cuts. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and a dust mask, as boxwood dust can be irritating.

Key Concepts in Wood Processing

Before we dive deeper into specific techniques, let’s define some key concepts:

• Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut wood that still contains a high moisture content. Seasoned wood has been dried to reduce its moisture content, making it more stable and less prone to warping or cracking.
• Moisture Content (MC): The amount of water in wood, expressed as a percentage of the wood’s oven-dry weight. For woodworking, a moisture content of 6-8% is generally ideal. For firewood, a moisture content of 20% or less is recommended.
• Wood Grain: The direction of the wood fibers. Understanding the grain is crucial for cutting, shaping, and joining wood.
• Hardwood vs. Softwood: Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the fall), while softwood comes from coniferous trees (trees that have needles and cones). Boxwood is a hardwood.
• Heartwood vs. Sapwood: Heartwood is the older, darker wood in the center of the tree. It’s generally denser and more decay-resistant than sapwood, which is the lighter-colored wood near the bark.

Felling Techniques (Applicable to Larger Boxwood Specimens)

While boxwood is rarely felled for timber, understanding basic felling principles is important for any woodworker. If you have a large American boxwood that needs to be removed, here’s a simplified overview:

1. Assess the Tree: Determine the tree’s lean, any obstacles in the fall zone, and the presence of any hazards like dead branches.
2. Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles and create a clear escape path at a 45-degree angle from the direction of the fall.
3. Make the Notch: Cut a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
4. Make the Back Cut: Make a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.
5. Wedge (If Necessary): If the tree doesn’t start to fall on its own, insert a wedge into the back cut to help push it over.
6. Retreat: Once the tree starts to fall, retreat along your escape path.

Safety First: Felling trees is dangerous work. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots. If you’re not experienced with felling trees, hire a professional arborist.

Chainsaw Selection: For felling larger trees (though rarely boxwood), I typically use a chainsaw with a bar length appropriate for the tree’s diameter. A 20-inch bar is a good general-purpose size. I prefer chainsaws with anti-vibration systems and chain brakes for added safety. Brands like Stihl and Husqvarna are known for their quality and durability.

Debarking Logs (If Applicable)

If you’re working with larger boxwood logs, you may want to debark them. Debarking removes the outer layer of bark, which can harbor insects and decay.

1. Tools: You can debark logs using a drawknife, a debarking spud, or a chainsaw. A drawknife is a hand tool with a curved blade that is pulled towards you to remove the bark. A debarking spud is a long-handled tool with a flat blade that is used to pry off the bark. A chainsaw can be used to carefully score the bark and then peel it off.
2. Technique: Start by scoring the bark with a knife or chainsaw. Then, use the drawknife or debarking spud to peel off the bark in strips. Be careful not to damage the underlying wood.
3. Timing: Debarking is easiest when the sap is flowing, typically in the spring.

My Preferred Method: I prefer using a drawknife for debarking smaller logs. It gives me more control and allows me to remove the bark cleanly without damaging the wood. For larger logs, a debarking spud is more efficient.

Splitting Firewood (If Using Boxwood for Firewood)

If you’re using boxwood for firewood, you’ll need to split it into smaller pieces.

1. Tools: You can split firewood using an axe, a splitting maul, or a log splitter. An axe is a general-purpose tool that can be used for both chopping and splitting. A splitting maul is a heavier tool specifically designed for splitting wood. A log splitter is a hydraulic machine that uses a wedge to split logs.
2. Technique: Place the log on a sturdy chopping block. Position the axe or maul over the center of the log and swing with force. If the log doesn’t split on the first try, reposition the axe and try again. For larger logs, a log splitter is much more efficient.
3. Safety: Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Keep your feet out of the path of the axe or maul.

Log Splitter Benefits: A hydraulic log splitter significantly increases efficiency, especially when dealing with larger or tougher logs. I use a 25-ton log splitter for processing firewood. It can handle logs up to 24 inches in diameter and 25 inches in length. The hydraulic power makes splitting even the most stubborn wood a breeze.

Drying Firewood and Woodworking Stock

Whether you’re preparing firewood or woodworking stock, drying the wood is essential.

• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common and cost-effective method. Stack the wood in a well-ventilated area, off the ground, and protected from rain and snow. Allow the wood to dry for several months or even years, depending on the species and thickness.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method that uses controlled heat and humidity to dry the wood. This method is typically used for commercial lumber production.

Drying Times: The drying time for firewood depends on the species, the size of the pieces, and the climate. In general, hardwoods like boxwood take longer to dry than softwoods. It’s best to allow firewood to dry for at least six months, and ideally a year or more. Woodworking stock should be dried to a moisture content of 6-8%.

Stacking Techniques: I use a modified Holzhaufen stack for air-drying firewood. This circular stack allows for good air circulation and sheds water effectively. For woodworking stock, I sticker the wood (place thin strips of wood between the layers) to allow for even air circulation.

Wood Type Selection for Specific Projects

The choice of wood depends on the project. For fine carvings, boxwood, holly, and ebony are excellent choices. For furniture, hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry are popular. For construction, softwoods like pine and fir are commonly used.

Boxwood Applications: Boxwood is best suited for small, detailed projects that require a fine grain and high density. Think of carving chess pieces, making small tool handles, or creating intricate inlays.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount when working with wood. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, a dust mask, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Use tools properly and maintain them in good condition. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.

Chainsaw Safety: When using a chainsaw, be sure to follow all safety guidelines. Wear a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, chaps, and gloves. Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned. Be aware of the risk of kickback.

Strategic Advantages of Efficient Wood Processing

Efficient wood processing can save you time, money, and effort. By using the right tools and techniques, you can maximize your yield and minimize waste.

• Reduced Labor Costs: Using a log splitter can significantly reduce the amount of manual labor required to split firewood.
• Increased Efficiency: Sharp tools and proper techniques can speed up the wood processing process.
• Improved Quality: Properly dried wood is less prone to warping and cracking, resulting in a higher-quality finished product.
• Waste Reduction: By carefully planning your cuts and using efficient techniques, you can minimize waste.

Costs and Material Specifications

The cost of wood varies depending on the species, the grade, and the location. Boxwood is generally more expensive than other hardwoods due to its limited availability and slow growth rate.

• Moisture Content Targets: For woodworking, aim for a moisture content of 6-8%. For firewood, aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.
• Material Specs: When purchasing wood, be sure to specify the desired dimensions, grade, and moisture content.

Skill Levels Required

Wood processing requires a range of skills, from basic chainsaw operation to advanced woodworking techniques. Beginners can start with simple projects like splitting firewood or building small boxes. As you gain experience, you can tackle more complex projects like carving furniture or building cabinets.

Practical Next Steps

If you’re interested in working with wood, here are some practical next steps:

1. Take a Woodworking Class: A woodworking class can teach you the basics of wood processing, tool operation, and safety.
2. Start with a Simple Project: Choose a simple project that you can complete successfully. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue learning.
3. Invest in Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality tools that will last for years.
4. Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become.
5. Join a Woodworking Club: A woodworking club can provide you with support, guidance, and inspiration.

Conclusion: Embracing the Craft

Working with wood is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Whether you’re felling trees, splitting firewood, or crafting furniture, the process of transforming raw materials into something beautiful and useful is deeply satisfying. By understanding the nuances of different wood species, mastering essential techniques, and prioritizing safety, you can unlock the potential of wood and create lasting works of art. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, grab your tools, embrace the craft, and start creating!

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