deciduous tree
Shagbark hickory: pruning, storm risk and removal
Carya ovata. Also called Scaly-bark hickory, Upland hickory.
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.
Shagbark hickory at a glance
| Height | 70-90 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| USDA zones | 4-8 |
| Lifespan | typically 200-300 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | The eastern United States and southeastern Canada, from Maine and southern Quebec west to Minnesota and south to Georgia and eastern Texas. It grows in upland woods and well-drained soils. |
| Roots | A deep taproot with spreading side roots. The tree is strong in wind but does not like being transplanted or having its roots cut. |
| Wood | Very hard, heavy, strong and tough. It is used for tool handles, flooring and smoking meat. As firewood it is among the best, with very high heat per cord, but it is dense and hard on chains and tools. |
| Storm risk | lowThe wood is very strong and the deep roots hold well. Failures are less common than with soft-wooded trees, but old trees can still drop dead limbs, and stressed trees can be attacked by pests and decay. |
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 shagbark hickory
Best time to prune
Prune in the dormant season to remove dead and crossing branches. It needs little pruning once mature. Do any shaping when the tree is young.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning, cutting roots and changing the grade near the trunk. Avoid topping, which this tree handles poorly.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Shagbark hickory is slow growing and long lived. It is a good choice for a large yard if you are planting for the long term.
- Do not cut roots or change the soil level around an established tree. It reacts badly to construction damage.
- The nuts are edible and loved by squirrels. Expect some nut and husk litter in fall.
- Peeling bark is normal and is what gives the tree its name.
- If a mature tree starts to lose leaves early or has dead tops, ask an arborist to look. Stressed hickories can be attacked by pests.
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 shagbark hickory
- 1Hickory wood is very dense and tough. Keep chains sharp and plan for more time on large cuts.
- 2Loose bark strips and nut husks make footing uneven.
- 3Prime firewood. Ask the customer if they want the wood stacked or hauled.
- 4Avoid heavy cuts near the trunk base on trees staying in place, since roots are sensitive.
- 5Dead tops in a stressed hickory may mean pests or decay. Check before you climb.
Removal notes
The wood is very hard and dense, and it dulls chains quickly. Large trees may have heavy limbs and, because of the slow growth, are often very old. The bark peels in long loose strips that fall and make footing and cleanup messy. The wood is valuable for firewood, so ask the customer whether they want it kept. Stump grinding is the usual way to finish the job.
Wood
Very hard, heavy, strong and tough. It is used for tool handles, flooring and smoking meat. As firewood it is among the best, with very high heat per cord, but it is dense and hard on chains and tools.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for shagbark hickory
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 shagbark hickory grows
Native range: The eastern United States and southeastern Canada, from Maine and southern Quebec west to Minnesota and south to Georgia and eastern Texas. It grows in upland woods and well-drained soils.
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.
Shagbark hickory: common questions
Why is the bark peeling on my hickory?
Shagbark hickory naturally grows long, loose strips of bark that curl at the ends. This is normal and gives the tree its name. It is not a sign of disease.
Can I eat shagbark hickory nuts?
Yes. The nuts are sweet and edible, but the shell is hard and the nut is small. Squirrels often get them first.
How fast does a shagbark hickory grow?
Slowly. It may add only about a foot a year, and it can take many years to produce nuts. The tree can live 200 years or more.
Is hickory good firewood?
Yes, it is one of the best. It gives very high heat and burns long. It is dense and hard to cut, but it splits well when green. Season it for at least a year.
Why is my hickory dying back at the top?
Causes include drought, root damage, soil changes, pests and decay. Stressed hickories can be attacked by bark beetles. Ask a certified arborist to check the tree.
Can I move a young hickory tree?
It is hard, because of the deep taproot. Small young trees move best, and older trees seldom survive. It is usually better to plant a young nursery tree in its final spot.
More trees in the same regions
Own a tree service?
Every shagbark hickory job starts with a call you answer
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. See what we set up and pricing.