What is wrong with my hackberry? - Ask Extension
My hackberry has lost leaves on a lot of its branches- it started last year or the year before and I thought it was due to heat stress but the problem...
Knowledgebase
What is wrong with my hackberry? #939448
Asked July 16, 2026, 7:23 AM EDT
My hackberry has lost leaves on a lot of its branches- it started last year or the year before and I thought it was due to heat stress but the problem remains this year and is getting worse.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Has anything disturbed the root zone of the tree in the past few years, such as digging (maybe for construction or utility work) or regrading? Root damage can cause canopy decline that may appear gradually. Drought stress is certainly possible, although if you've been watering periodically, that's less likely.
We aren't able to diagnose the issue from the photos shared, but recommend you have a certified arborist or licensed tree expert evaluate the tree in person. Arborists can't treat every ailment (as many are incurable once symptoms manifest), but they can help narrow-down a diagnosis as well as look for sources of tree stress that might be able to be alleviated, like girdling roots around the base of the trunk.
Miri
We aren't able to diagnose the issue from the photos shared, but recommend you have a certified arborist or licensed tree expert evaluate the tree in person. Arborists can't treat every ailment (as many are incurable once symptoms manifest), but they can help narrow-down a diagnosis as well as look for sources of tree stress that might be able to be alleviated, like girdling roots around the base of the trunk.
Miri
Thanks so much for your response. We haven't changed anything about the tree area and the roots are as usual. I haven't been watering it though so perhaps drought stress is the cause. The trees around it seem ok though - is hackberry more drought sensitive than for e.g. Japanese maple?
Thanks again,
Sarah
From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Thursday, 16 July 2026 12:28:04
To: sarahbeardmore
Subject: Re: What is wrong with my hackberry? (#0209363)
Sent: Thursday, 16 July 2026 12:28:04
To: sarahbeardmore
Subject: Re: What is wrong with my hackberry? (#0209363)
Different species have different tolerances for drought and other stresses, and each individual can as well if the root system is compromised or there is some other overlapping issue. Environmental stress can also predispose trees to secondary ailments, like borers (or other insect pests) or fungal infections, most of which can be host-specific.
Miri
Miri
