Choose Common Hackberry if you need a tough native shade tree for a large, imperfect site. It handles soil and weather stress better than many shade trees; the tradeoff is scale, since it needs real room.
Buy This If
You need durable native shade.
Your soil is difficult.
You have room overhead.
Skip This If
Space is tight.
Deer browsing is heavy.
You want bright fall color.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
A-
It gives a strong shade-tree presence, but the look is more practical and natural than ornamental.
Growth Rate
A
It establishes into a fast-growing shade tree when watered properly early on.
Maintenance
B+
It asks little once established, though normal leaf cleanup and minor cosmetic leaf issues can occur.
Deer Resistance
B+
Deer tend to leave this tree alone, though young plants can be browsed or rubbed where pressure is heavy.
Small Space Fit
D
It outgrows tight foundation beds, narrow front yards, and small patio areas.
Screening Value
C+
Its canopy gives overhead cover, but it is not dense enough for privacy at eye level.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Common Hackberry when the site is large, exposed, or the soil is unreliable. If the goal is fall color or a tight ornamental tree, we steer customers elsewhere.
Plant Facts
Mature Height
50 ft
Mature Width
50 ft
Hardiness Zones
3a-9a
Spacing
35 ft
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture
Average to moist
Growth Habit
Upright, rounded, spreading
Customers Usually Ask
Is Common Hackberry messy?
Expect normal shade-tree leaf cleanup and some small fruit; avoid placing it where every drop matters.
Is it good for a small yard?
No, this is a large shade tree and should not be squeezed near foundations, wires, or patios.
Why choose it over a maple?
Choose Hackberry when toughness matters more than fall color, especially on difficult soil or exposed sites.
Why Trees Are a Lasting Investment
Trees bring structure, shade, and long-term value to any landscape. From flowering ornamentals to strong canopy trees, they define property lines, create privacy, and provide cooling relief during the summer months. Over time, trees grow into the most impactful and permanent feature of a landscape, adding both beauty and property value.
Shade & Energy Efficiency - Mature trees reduce summer heat, lower cooling costs, and create comfortable outdoor living spaces.
Long-Term Property - Value Established trees significantly increase curb appeal and overall home value.
Year-Round Landscape - Impact From spring growth to fall color and winter structure, trees provide continuous seasonal interest.
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Jonathan Berenson
Showed up on time and planted it perfectly. I indicated a light we had to illuminate it and they placed it for optimal lighting. Worked fast and left a clean worksite. First rate!
Installation Service
Jon Kenyon
Really great website, communication and installation. Very happy customer and would recommend them.
Fairview Juniper
Anonymous
They delivered three trees: a big linden, a big poplar and a little spice bush with install on the big trees. The install guys were great and professional and fast. All the trees looked good with minimal damage.
Northern Spicebush
Joseph Sico
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
Wichita Blue Juniper
Aileen Maconi
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!
They're very "leggy" right now but that's not unexpected in the fall. Otherwise, they look healthy, and we're looking forward to seeing them next year.