What To Do With Old Boxwoods

Old boxwoods can be given new life in several practical and creative ways.
 
If you’re staring at overgrown or struggling shrubs, you’re probably wondering what to do with old boxwoods that have seen better days.
 
The good news is your old boxwoods don’t have to end up in a landfill just because they’ve lost their shape or started thinning out.
 
You have plenty of options for dealing with old boxwoods, from rejuvenating them to removing them and repurposing the material.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things you can do with old boxwoods so you can make the most of your landscape.
 
Let’s dive in and see how to handle those tired old boxwoods.
 

Why You Might Keep Your Old Boxwoods

Before you decide what to do with old boxwoods, consider whether they’re worth saving.
 
Many old boxwoods respond well to a hard prune and come back healthier than ever.
 
If your old boxwoods still have green leaves at the base and aren’t completely bare, they have a good chance of bouncing back.
 
Here are a few reasons to give your old boxwoods another chance.
 

1. Old Boxwoods Have Deep Root Systems

Old boxwoods often have extensive root systems that make them drought-tolerant and resilient.
 
Because they’re well established, your old boxwoods can survive transplanting if you want to move them to a better spot.
 
So before you rip out those old boxwoods, think about whether a relocation could solve the problem.
 

2. Rejuvenation Pruning Works on Old Boxwoods

Old boxwoods can be cut back hard in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
 
Many gardeners have saved overgrown old boxwoods by cutting them down to six or eight inches above the ground.
 
Within a couple of seasons, your old boxwoods will fill out again with dense, green foliage.
 
This is one of the most satisfying things you can do with old boxwoods if you have the patience to wait a year or two.
 

3. Old Boxwoods Are Perfect for Formal Gardens

If you love a classic landscape style, old boxwoods are ideal for geometric shapes and hedges.
 
Their natural slow growth means you won’t have to trim your old boxwoods as often as faster shrubs.
 
So keeping your old boxwoods can save you time and money compared to starting over with new plants.
 

Creative Ways to Remove and Replace Old Boxwoods

Sometimes the best thing you can do with old boxwoods is say goodbye and start fresh.
 
If your old boxwoods are diseased, infested, or simply too far gone, removal is the smart choice.
 
Here’s how to remove your old boxwoods and what to plant in their place.
 

1. Digging Out Old Boxwoods by Hand

Old boxwoods have dense root balls that can be tough to dig out.
 
Use a sharp spade to cut the roots in a circle about twelve inches from the trunk.
 
Then rock the root ball loose and lift your old boxwoods out of the ground.
 
If your old boxwoods are very large, you might need a garden fork or even a come-along to pull them up.
 

2. Using a Stump Grinder for Large Old Boxwoods

For massive old boxwoods, a stump grinder makes quick work of the remaining stump and roots.
 
Once you’ve ground the stump down, you can fill the hole with fresh soil and plant something new.
 
This method is especially useful if you plan to replace your old boxwoods with smaller perennials or a lawn.
 

3. Replacing Old Boxwoods with Low-Maintenance Alternatives

After removing your old boxwoods, consider shrubs that offer similar structure but less upkeep.
 
Evergreen alternatives like holly, yew, or dwarf pittosporum can mimic the look of old boxwoods.
 
Or go for flowering shrubs like lavender or rosemary that attract pollinators and smell great.
 
Whatever you choose, replacing your old boxwoods gives your garden a fresh start.
 

Repurposing and Composting Old Boxwoods

Don’t just toss your old boxwoods in the trash.
 
You can repurpose the material in several eco-friendly ways that benefit your garden.
 
Here are my favorite things to do with old boxwoods after they’re removed.
 

1. Mulch Your Old Boxwoods

Chipped branches from your old boxwoods make excellent organic mulch.
 
Just run the branches through a wood chipper and spread the chips around your flower beds.
 
The wood from old boxwoods breaks down slowly and adds organic matter to the soil.
 
This is a fantastic way to recycle your old boxwoods back into the garden.
 

2. Compost the Leaves and Small Twigs

Old boxwoods can be composted if you mix them with nitrogen-rich greens like grass clippings.
 
The leaves from old boxwoods are slightly acidic, which is fine for most compost piles.
 
Avoid composting large woody stems unless you have a hot composting system that can break them down quickly.
 

3. Use Old Boxwood Branches in Crafts

Old boxwoods have dense, fine-grained wood that’s great for small woodworking projects.
 
You can carve the wood into garden stakes, plant labels, or even small ornaments.
 
And the evergreen sprigs from your old boxwoods make beautiful additions to holiday wreaths and garlands.
 

4. Sell or Give Away Healthy Old Boxwoods

If your old boxwoods are still healthy but you just don’t want them, consider giving them away.
 
Post on local gardening groups or a “buy nothing” page to find someone who will adopt your old boxwoods.
 
You might even make a few dollars by selling your old boxwoods to a landscaper or nursery.
 

So, What To Do With Old Boxwoods?

Old boxwoods can be given new life in several practical and creative ways.
 
You can keep them and rejuvenate with a hard prune, remove them to start fresh, or repurpose the material as mulch or craft supplies.
 
The best approach for your old boxwoods depends on their health, your design goals, and how much time you want to invest.
 
Whether you dig them out, chip them up, or shape them back to beauty, your old boxwoods don’t have to be a problem.
 
They’re a resource that can improve your garden and your outdoor space.
 
Hope this post has helped you figure out exactly what to do with old boxwoods in your yard.