Hackberry Leaf Curl and Dieback: Drought, Borers, Scale, or Herbicide?

Hackberries of various sizes show leaf curl, dieback (10" trunk 90% loss, 25" trunk 1%, 0.5" trunk 50%). Scale present but county agent said not causal. Late cold snap. Herbicide sprayer drove by (¼ mile away).

Possible Causes

• Drought legacy: Last year's severe drought may cause delayed dieback.
• Borers: Unlikely in hard hackberry wood, but check for holes/loose bark; spray Spinosad if suspected.
• Scale: If heavy, spray horticultural oil + Neem.
• Fungal infection: Spray Neem + oil.
• Herbicide drift: ¼ mile is far unless high wind; unlikely.

Recommended

Rule out drought/borers. Spray Neem + horticultural oil for scale/fungus. Trees should recover.