How Far Apart Should You Plant Boxwoods? (Pro Tips For Woodworkers)

Here’s an opportunity: Imagine turning your property into a stunning landscape with perfectly spaced boxwoods, creating privacy screens, formal hedges, or elegant garden borders. But how far apart should you plant them? Getting it right is crucial for their health, growth, and the overall aesthetic appeal of your woodworking haven. As a seasoned woodworker and landscaper, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of planting boxwoods, and I’m here to share my pro tips so you can achieve the same success.

Understanding Boxwood Varieties and Their Growth Habits

Before you even think about digging a hole, you need to understand the different types of boxwoods. They aren’t all created equal, and their mature size will heavily influence the spacing you choose.

Common Boxwood Varieties

American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): This is your classic, large-growing boxwood. It can reach heights of 15-20 feet and spread 10-15 feet wide. Think of it as the granddaddy of boxwoods.
English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’): A smaller, more compact variety, perfect for low hedges and edging. It typically grows to 2-4 feet tall and wide.
Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica): Known for its cold hardiness and faster growth rate, it reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide.
‘Green Velvet’ Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’): A popular hybrid known for its rounded shape and dark green foliage, reaching 3-4 feet tall and wide.
‘Winter Gem’ Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Winter Gem’): This variety is known for its excellent winter color retention and rounded habit, reaching 3-4 feet tall and wide.

Takeaway: Knowing your boxwood variety is the first step to proper spacing. Don’t plant an American Boxwood expecting it to stay small like an English Boxwood!

Growth Rate and Mature Size Considerations

Boxwoods are generally slow growers, but the rate varies between varieties. American Boxwoods can grow up to 6-12 inches per year under ideal conditions, while English Boxwoods might only grow a few inches.

Consider these factors when planning your spacing:

Desired Hedge Density: Do you want a dense, impenetrable hedge quickly, or are you willing to wait for the plants to fill in?
Maintenance Level: Closer spacing requires more frequent pruning to maintain shape and prevent overcrowding.
Available Space: Be realistic about how much space you have and how large the boxwoods will eventually become.

Takeaway: Plan for the future! Don’t overcrowd your boxwoods, thinking they’ll stay small forever.

Determining Optimal Spacing for Different Purposes

The spacing between your boxwoods will depend on what you want to achieve. Are you creating a formal hedge, a privacy screen, or simply adding individual shrubs to your landscape?

Spacing for Formal Hedges

For a crisp, formal hedge, closer spacing is key. This encourages the plants to grow together quickly, creating a solid wall of foliage.

English Boxwood: 12-18 inches apart. This will give you a tight, low hedge in a relatively short amount of time.
‘Green Velvet’ Boxwood: 18-24 inches apart. This provides enough room for the plants to mature without overcrowding.
Japanese Boxwood: 24-30 inches apart. This allows for their faster growth rate and larger mature size.

My Experience: I once planted an English Boxwood hedge using 12-inch spacing. Within three years, it had formed a beautiful, dense hedge that required regular pruning to maintain its shape. The closer spacing definitely paid off in terms of achieving the desired look quickly.

Takeaway: For formal hedges, aim for closer spacing to achieve a dense, uniform look.

Spacing for Privacy Screens

If your goal is to create a privacy screen, you’ll need to consider the mature height and width of the boxwood variety.

American Boxwood: 3-5 feet apart. This allows for their significant growth and ensures a solid screen over time.
Japanese Boxwood: 3-4 feet apart. Their faster growth rate will help fill in the gaps more quickly.
‘Winter Gem’ Boxwood: 2.5-3.5 feet apart. A good option for a slightly more compact privacy screen.

Example: Let’s say you’re planting American Boxwoods to create a privacy screen that is 60 feet long. If you space them 4 feet apart, you’ll need 16 plants (60 feet / 4 feet per plant = 15 plants + 1 for the end).

Takeaway: For privacy screens, consider the mature size of the boxwoods and space them accordingly to create a solid barrier.

Spacing for Individual Shrubs or Informal Hedges

If you’re using boxwoods as individual shrubs or creating a more informal hedge, you can afford to give them more space.

American Boxwood: 6-8 feet apart. This allows them to develop their natural shape and provides ample room for growth.
English Boxwood: 3-4 feet apart. This creates a looser, more natural-looking hedge.
‘Green Velvet’ Boxwood: 4-5 feet apart. This provides plenty of space for them to thrive as individual shrubs.

Tip: When planting individual shrubs, consider their placement in relation to other plants and structures. Ensure they have enough room to grow without crowding or blocking sunlight.

Takeaway: For individual shrubs or informal hedges, give your boxwoods plenty of space to develop their natural shape and thrive.

Soil Preparation and Planting Techniques

Proper soil preparation is essential for the health and growth of your boxwoods. They prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0).

Soil Testing and Amendment

Before planting, it’s a good idea to test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. You can purchase a soil testing kit at your local garden center or send a sample to a professional lab.

Based on the results of your soil test, you may need to amend the soil with:

Compost: Adds organic matter, improves drainage, and provides nutrients.
Peat Moss: Helps retain moisture and acidifies the soil.
Lime: Raises the pH of acidic soil.
Sulfur: Lowers the pH of alkaline soil.

My Insight: I once planted a boxwood hedge in soil that was too alkaline. The plants struggled to grow and developed yellowing leaves. After amending the soil with sulfur, they quickly recovered and began to thrive.

Takeaway: Soil testing and amendment are crucial for ensuring your boxwoods have the right growing conditions.

Planting Steps

Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Amend the Soil: Mix the excavated soil with compost and other amendments as needed.
Remove the Plant: Gently remove the boxwood from its container, being careful not to damage the roots.
Loosen the Roots: If the roots are circling the pot, gently loosen them with your fingers or a small trowel.
Place the Plant: Place the boxwood in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the Hole: Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
Water Thoroughly: Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Tool List:

Shovel
Trowel
Wheelbarrow (for hauling soil and amendments)
Watering can or hose
Mulch

Takeaway: Follow these planting steps carefully to ensure your boxwoods get off to a healthy start.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once your boxwoods are planted, they’ll need regular care to thrive.

Watering and Fertilizing

Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.

My Tip: Use a soaker hose to water your boxwoods deeply and efficiently. This delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing water loss through evaporation.

Takeaway: Regular watering and fertilization are essential for maintaining the health and vigor of your boxwoods.

Pruning and Shaping

Pruning is crucial for maintaining the shape and density of your boxwoods.

Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Technique: Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts. Avoid shearing, which can create dense outer growth and shade out the interior of the plant.
Deadheading: Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth.

Caution: Avoid pruning during hot, sunny weather, as this can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to disease.

Takeaway: Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your boxwoods.

Pest and Disease Management

Boxwoods are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases.

Boxwood Leafminer: This insect causes unsightly blisters on the leaves. Treat with an insecticide in the spring.
Boxwood Blight: This fungal disease causes leaf spots and defoliation. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Treat with an insecticide or miticide.

Preventative Measures:

Choose disease-resistant varieties.
Provide good air circulation.
Avoid overwatering.
Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.

Takeaway: Be vigilant about pest and disease management to keep your boxwoods healthy and attractive.

Addressing Common Challenges

Even with the best planning and care, you may encounter some challenges when growing boxwoods.

Poor Soil Drainage

Boxwoods are susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil.

Solution: Improve drainage by amending the soil with compost and other organic matter. Consider planting on a raised bed or mound.

Winter Burn

In cold climates, boxwoods can suffer from winter burn, which causes the leaves to turn brown.

Solution: Protect your boxwoods from winter burn by wrapping them in burlap or spraying them with an anti-desiccant.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Solution: Prune your boxwoods regularly to maintain good air circulation. If necessary, transplant some of the plants to a new location.

My Story: I once had a customer who planted a boxwood hedge too close to their house. Over time, the plants became overcrowded and developed boxwood blight. We had to remove several plants to improve air circulation and prevent the disease from spreading.

Takeaway: Be prepared to address common challenges to keep your boxwoods healthy and thriving.

Advanced Techniques for Boxwood Enthusiasts

For those who want to take their boxwood skills to the next level, here are some advanced techniques:

Topiary

Boxwoods are ideal for creating topiary, the art of shaping plants into ornamental shapes.

Tools: You’ll need sharp pruning shears, wire frames, and a steady hand.
Technique: Start with a young, well-established boxwood. Use wire frames to guide your pruning and create the desired shape.

Propagation

You can propagate boxwoods from cuttings.

Timing: Take cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Technique: Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and shaded until they develop roots.

Espalier

Espalier is the art of training plants to grow flat against a wall or fence.

Technique: Attach the branches to the wall or fence using wire or twine. Prune regularly to maintain the desired shape.

Takeaway: These advanced techniques can add a unique and artistic touch to your boxwood landscape.

Safety Considerations When Working with Boxwoods

While boxwoods are generally safe to handle, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind.

Pruning Tools

Always use sharp pruning shears and wear gloves to protect your hands.

Pesticides and Herbicides

If you use pesticides or herbicides, follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, a mask, and eye protection.

Allergies

Some people are allergic to boxwoods. If you experience any allergic reactions, such as skin irritation or respiratory problems, discontinue handling the plants.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about your landscape.

Takeaway: Prioritize safety when working with boxwoods to avoid injuries and health problems.

Measuring Success and Adjusting Your Approach

How do you know if your boxwood planting project is a success? Here are some key metrics to track:

Growth Rate: Monitor the growth rate of your boxwoods. Are they growing at the expected rate for their variety?
Foliage Density: Is the foliage dense and healthy?
Pest and Disease Resistance: Are your boxwoods resistant to pests and diseases?
Aesthetic Appeal: Do your boxwoods enhance the beauty of your landscape?

If you’re not satisfied with the results, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. You may need to:

Amend the soil.
Adjust your watering or fertilizing schedule.
Prune more or less frequently.
Treat for pests or diseases.
Transplant the plants to a new location.

Case Study: I once worked on a project where the boxwoods were not thriving due to poor soil drainage. We installed a drainage system and amended the soil with compost. Within a year, the plants had recovered and were growing vigorously.

Takeaway: Track your progress and be prepared to adjust your approach to achieve the best results.

Conclusion: Creating a Stunning Boxwood Landscape

Planting boxwoods is an investment in the beauty and value of your property. By understanding the different varieties, determining the optimal spacing, and providing proper care, you can create a stunning boxwood landscape that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Remember to:

Choose the right boxwood variety for your needs.
Space the plants according to their mature size and desired purpose.
Prepare the soil properly.
Provide regular care and maintenance.
Be prepared to address common challenges.

With a little planning and effort, you can transform your yard into a woodworking haven with perfectly spaced and thriving boxwoods. Now, grab your shovel and get planting!