Multiple problems with hackberry tree - Ask Extension
Hello, we had a hackberry tree put in our yard last fall. From your site I learned that the bumps on some leaves are likely nipple fall. Many small br...
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Multiple problems with hackberry tree #839863
Asked July 10, 2023, 10:27 AM EDT
Hello, we had a hackberry tree put in our yard last fall. From your site I learned that the bumps on some leaves are likely nipple fall. Many small branches appear dead and snap off easily. Also, the soil around the tree remains very damp/wet though it only gets water twice/week from our lawn irrigation system. I raked back the mulch to try to help it dry out but it remains quite damp two weeks later. We live in a new construction neighborhood and the previous tree we had in the same location died so the builder replaced it with this hackberry. Any advice about what could be helpful? Thank you so much! Ivy
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hackberry is a beautiful tree. The bark is unique. Your tree does look like it has a bit of decline. The drought we have had the last few years is impacting our plants. A new tree requires an inch of water per week. This is best accomplished with a slow flowing hose at the base of the tree for 30-40 minutes once a week. This brings the water down into the roots. Your irrigation system is likely just watering the surface.
You mention you are in new construction. I suspect the soil around your home may be lacking nutrients. Based on your explanation of the topsoil staying wet there is likely a high volume of clay in it. I would suggest amending the area around the tree with compost. You will want to mix it into the soil rather than mound it up.
As you mention, there are nipple halls on the Hackberry’s leaves. These will not typically cause overall decline of the tree.
You mention you are in new construction. I suspect the soil around your home may be lacking nutrients. Based on your explanation of the topsoil staying wet there is likely a high volume of clay in it. I would suggest amending the area around the tree with compost. You will want to mix it into the soil rather than mound it up.
As you mention, there are nipple halls on the Hackberry’s leaves. These will not typically cause overall decline of the tree.
