JUNE 20, 2014 EDITION OF "ASK THE ARBORIST"

In today’s edition of “Ask the Arborist” we will take a visit with the Hackberry tree.  Hackberry trees (Celtis occidentals) are actually part of the Ulmaceae the Elm family.  Hackberry trees, according to information cited from “Bellarmine University” are fast growing trees that are able to adapt and survive in very harsh soil conditions.  Indeed, because of its tolerance to high salt, acid, alkali and clay levels in the soil, Hackberry trees are often some of the only trees that will survive in certain areas.  Hackberry trees have shown good tolerance to both drought and flooding making it a good tree for harsh urban settings.  Hackberry trees are native to North America and one of its most distinguishing features is the odd shaped bark (see photos).  Hackberry tree bark is very rough, patchy, bumpy and warty.  Once you have identified this tree, you will always remember the odd bark as an easy identification tool even in the winter months.  The tree produces monecious flowers (both sex on same tree) in the spring, the male flowers being long and fuzzy and the female flowers greenish and more rounded.  Hackberry trees can reach a maximum height of around 45 – 80 feet and a width or spread of 40 – 50 feet.  The best growth is within the USDA hardiness zones 3 – 9 which is on target for our zone 6 in Newtown, CT.  It makes its best growth in moist bottomland soils, but as stated earlier there are not many places Hackberry trees will not grow. The Hackberry tree will tolerate some construction fill and is a good selection for use in compacted soil areas.  Another distinguishing characteristic of Hackberry tree is the ever present Hackberry nipple gall (caused by an insect) which is only cosmetic and causes no damage to the tree.  Contact your Yacko and Sons Tree Service staff Forester for your FREE TREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP!  jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219.