Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) This hackberry had perennial artist’s conks at the cavity and root flare, signaling long-standing structural decay in the butt and roots. A low codominant fracture had already occurred and, despite prior bracing with a rod and multiple cables, the canopy showed heavy dieback with no vigor in the remaining stems. With advanced fungal decay, mechanical failure, and systemic decline all present, it had become a clear liability. I’ll melt’em all.