Hickory Tree - Carya ovata

The Hickory Tree is a beautiful deciduous tree that produces green nuts beloved by wildlife.

Plant Details - Hickory Tree

Family: Juglandaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 60 – 80 ft.

Spread: 30 – 50 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Hickory Tree

The Hickory Tree is a common and beloved deciduous tree that will make an impact on your landscape. Another common name for this tree, Shagbark Hickory, is due to its distinctive, interesting gray bark that peels off in unique, long strips as it ages. 

Plant this tree in a location that has full sun to partial shade. Avoid planting this tree in full shade. It will grow best in full sun. This tree will provide plenty of shade as it matures.

Plant this tree in moist and well draining soil. Avoid planting this tree in compacted, clay, or very wet soils.

This tree is a low maintenance and ornamental option to have in your landscape. Plant this in a location where its falling nuts will not be an issue to passersby, such as along a path.

This tree will have small, inconspicuous catkins in early spring. Its green nuts will drop to the ground in the fall, splitting open for animals.

Yearly pruning is not necessary; look for signs of damaged branches that will need to be pruned.

This tree is drought resistant once it is established, making it a great option for drier locations. Water this tree in deeply and thoroughly until it is well established.

This is a deer resistant tree. However, you should protect this tree while it is young and vulnerable to damage by browsing.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hickory Tree is in the same family as the Black Walnut tree; however, it produces the same compound juglone in smaller amounts, making it suitable for having a shade garden underneath.

This tree will attract many birds and small mammals. Both nesting birds and cavity dwelling birds, including woodpeckers and owls, will use it for shelter.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Hickory trees thrive in well-drained soil and need regular watering during dry spells. Trim them in late winter to maintain the build and clear dead or diseased branches. Protect young trees from pests and diseases for healthy growth.

Plant Reproduction

Hickory trees spread via nuts, wind, animals, and root suckers.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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