deciduous tree
Hackberry: pruning, storm risk and removal
Celtis occidentalis. Also called Common hackberry.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Hackberry at a glance
| Height | 40-60 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 40-60 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 2-9 |
| Lifespan | typically 100-150 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Eastern and central United States and southern Canada, from New England west to the Great Plains. |
| Roots | Deep and wide-spreading. Very tough and handles poor soil, wind, drought and compacted city ground well. |
| Wood | Moderately heavy but fairly soft for a hardwood, and it rots quickly once the tree is cut or wounded. Average firewood that burns fast and can smell a little when green. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is moderately strong, but old trees often have decay in the trunk and large limbs. Wind and ice can break weak or decayed limbs. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a hackberry
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, crossing and rubbing limbs, and fix weak forks while the tree is young.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy cuts and topping. Large wounds on hackberry tend to let decay in. Avoid big cuts in spring when sap and growth are high.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Hackberry is a tough shade tree, but do not let it grow into power lines or over the roof without regular pruning.
- Odd bumps on the leaves (galls) and clusters of twigs called witches' broom look bad, but they usually do not hurt a healthy tree.
- Check large limbs yearly for cracks, hollows and mushrooms, which can point to decay inside.
- Berries drop and attract birds, so expect some mess on cars and patios in fall.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on hackberry
- 1Sound the trunk and major limbs for hollows before rigging. Decay is common in older trees.
- 2Bark is rough and warty, which helps with climbing grip, but check each limb before you trust it.
- 3Wood is moderately heavy and can be decayed inside, so cut pieces to a size the rigging can handle.
- 4Sprouts and seedlings come back around the base, so tell the customer if they will see regrowth after stump work.
Removal notes
Old hackberries often have hollow or decayed centers, so the crew should check the trunk and limb unions before climbing. The bark is bumpy and gives good grip, but limbs can be brittle where decay is hidden. Wood is heavy, so plan for rigging and a good chip and haul plan. Seedlings sprout fast, so expect some regrowth near the stump.
Wood
Moderately heavy but fairly soft for a hardwood, and it rots quickly once the tree is cut or wounded. Average firewood that burns fast and can smell a little when green.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for hackberry
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where hackberry grows
Native range: Eastern and central United States and southern Canada, from New England west to the Great Plains.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Hackberry: common questions
Is hackberry a good shade tree?
Yes, in most cases. It is tough, handles drought, wind and poor soil, and gives wide shade. The downsides are some limb breakage in old age, berry drop and common leaf galls.
What are the bumps on hackberry leaves and the clusters of twigs?
These are usually galls caused by tiny insects and a plant growth called witches' broom. They look odd but typically do not seriously harm a healthy tree.
How fast does hackberry grow?
It grows at a medium pace, often about 1 to 2 feet a year when it has water and sun. It is not as fast as silver maple or cottonwood.
Is hackberry wood good for firewood?
It is average. It burns fast and gives moderate heat. Green wood can smell, so most people let it season for a year or more.
Does hackberry wood rot quickly?
Yes, typically. Hackberry wood does not resist decay well, which is why older trees can be hollow inside. Have an arborist check big, old trees near your home.
How do I tell hackberry from an elm?
Hackberry bark often has corky ridges or warts, and the leaf base is uneven. Elm bark is more furrowed. Fruits also differ: hackberry has small round berries, elm has flat winged seeds. Ask an arborist if you are not sure.
More trees in the same regions
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