Common Hackberry

Highly adaptable: Thrives in poor soils, urban conditions, and a wide range of climates.
Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it great for hands-off landscapes.
Wildlife friendly: Produces small berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Drought tolerant: Handles dry spells better than many shade trees.
Wind and pollution resistant: Excellent choice for exposed or urban environments.

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#15 Container

$236.00

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#35 Container

$661.00

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3-4″ Caliper

$623.00

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Common Hackberry

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Common Hackberry

A tough, adaptable native shade tree valued for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Common Hackberry offers dependable shade, wildlife support, and a relaxed, natural appearance in the landscape.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Celtis occidentalis
Plant Type: Deciduous shade tree
Mature Height: 40–60 feet
Mature Spread: 30–50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering and Flower Color: Early spring; small, inconspicuous greenish flowers

Geographic Guidance:

Performs well across a wide range of climates, especially in the Midwest, Northeast US, Great Plains, and other temperate regions, tolerating both cold winters and hot summers.

Why Choose This Plant?

Consider Common Hackberry if you want a durable, low-maintenance shade tree that thrives where others struggle.

Highly adaptable: Tolerates poor soils, urban conditions, and varying moisture levels
Fast-growing shade: Establishes quickly to provide cooling canopy
Drought and wind tolerant: Excellent for exposed or difficult sites
Wildlife friendly: Produces berries that attract birds and support ecosystems
Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Thrives in full sun for best growth but tolerates partial shade.

Soil

Extremely adaptable—handles clay, sandy, rocky, and urban soils. Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a range of conditions, including occasional wetness.

Watering

Moderate watering needs during establishment. Once mature, it is highly tolerant of drought and varying moisture levels.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak branches and to establish a strong structure when young. Minimal pruning is needed as it matures.

Uses & Landscape Benefits

Ideal as a shade tree for large lawns and properties
Excellent for urban and street plantings due to toughness
Suitable for windbreaks and tough landscape areas
Provides food and shelter for birds and wildlife
Works well in naturalized and low-maintenance landscapes

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Are the berries messy?

The small fruits can drop but are usually consumed quickly by birds, minimizing mess.
Is it good for wildlife?

Absolutely—its fruit is a valuable food source for birds and small animals.
Can it tolerate urban conditions?

Yes, it is highly tolerant of pollution, compacted soil, and tough city environments.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Celtis occidentalis
Bloom Time	Mid spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Cannabaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container, #35 Container, 3-4″ Caliper

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Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Low