3 tree species from Hickories.
Deciduous Hardwood
Shagbark hickories are named for their distinctive bark that peels in long, loose strips, giving the trunk a shaggy appearance. They produce edible nuts and some of the hardest, strongest wood of any North American tree. The extremely hard wood (Janka 1,880) wears down chains fast and makes removal labor-intensive. Shagbark hickories develop deep taproots, which makes them nearly impossible to transplant once established but also highly wind-resistant. Nut drop is heavy in fall and creates slip hazards on sidewalks and driveways. Hickory bark beetles and hickory horned devil caterpillars are occasional pests. Large shagbark hickories are impressive specimens that homeowners usually want to keep, so cabling and pruning are more common than removal.
$1,500-$4,500 (removal)
Deciduous Hardwood
Pecans are the largest of the hickory family and can grow over 100 feet tall with massive spreading crowns. They are commercially grown across the South for nut production and are common in residential yards throughout their range. Pecan trees require significant maintenance. Zinc deficiency causes rosette disease (stunted, yellowed growth) and is the most common nutritional problem. Pecan scab is a fungal disease that can ruin the nut crop and defoliate the tree. Large pecans produce enormous volumes of leaves, twigs, and nut husks that create cleanup headaches. The wood is very hard. Ice storms cause severe damage to pecan trees because of their large crown area. Pruning for nut production differs from pruning for landscape aesthetics.
$2,000-$6,000 (removal)
Deciduous Hardwood
Bitternut hickory is one of the most common hickories across the eastern U.S. and is identifiable by its bright yellow buds in winter. The nuts are bitter and not eaten by humans, though squirrels still spread them widely. Like all hickories, the wood is extremely hard and tough, making removal and stump grinding difficult. Bitternut hickories are less drought-tolerant than other hickories and may decline during extended dry periods. Hickory bark beetle is the primary pest concern. Bitternut hickory is more common in woodlands and rural properties than in planned landscapes. The fall color is a clean, bright yellow.
$1,500-$4,000 (removal)