diff --git a/core/benches/blocktree.rs b/core/benches/blocktree.rs
index 287f85380e..10e1b9eeff 100644
--- a/core/benches/blocktree.rs
+++ b/core/benches/blocktree.rs
@@ -33,7 +33,11 @@ fn setup_read_bench(
     slot: u64,
 ) {
     // Make some big and small entries
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_large_shreds * 4 + num_small_shreds * 2, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(
+        num_large_shreds * 4 + num_small_shreds * 2,
+        0,
+        Hash::default(),
+    );
 
     // Convert the entries to shreds, write the shreds to the ledger
     let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, slot.saturating_sub(1), true);
@@ -48,7 +52,7 @@ fn setup_read_bench(
 fn bench_write_small(bench: &mut Bencher) {
     let ledger_path = get_tmp_ledger_path!();
     let num_entries = 32 * 1024;
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
     bench_write_shreds(bench, entries, &ledger_path);
 }
 
@@ -58,7 +62,7 @@ fn bench_write_small(bench: &mut Bencher) {
 fn bench_write_big(bench: &mut Bencher) {
     let ledger_path = get_tmp_ledger_path!();
     let num_entries = 32 * 1024;
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
     bench_write_shreds(bench, entries, &ledger_path);
 }
 
@@ -127,7 +131,7 @@ fn bench_insert_data_shred_small(bench: &mut Bencher) {
     let blocktree =
         Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).expect("Expected to be able to open database ledger");
     let num_entries = 32 * 1024;
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
     bench.iter(move || {
         let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries.clone(), 0, 0, true);
         blocktree.insert_shreds(shreds, None).unwrap();
@@ -142,7 +146,7 @@ fn bench_insert_data_shred_big(bench: &mut Bencher) {
     let blocktree =
         Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).expect("Expected to be able to open database ledger");
     let num_entries = 32 * 1024;
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
     bench.iter(move || {
         let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries.clone(), 0, 0, true);
         blocktree.insert_shreds(shreds, None).unwrap();
diff --git a/core/benches/shredder.rs b/core/benches/shredder.rs
index 6536429823..c72b5cc8d2 100644
--- a/core/benches/shredder.rs
+++ b/core/benches/shredder.rs
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ fn bench_shredder_ticks(bencher: &mut Bencher) {
     let num_shreds = ((1000 * 1000) + (shred_size - 1)) / shred_size;
     // ~1Mb
     let num_ticks = max_ticks_per_n_shreds(1) * num_shreds as u64;
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_ticks, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_ticks, 0, Hash::default());
     bencher.iter(|| {
         let shredder = Shredder::new(1, 0, RECOMMENDED_FEC_RATE, kp.clone()).unwrap();
         shredder.entries_to_shreds(&entries, true, 0);
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ fn bench_deshredder(bencher: &mut Bencher) {
     // ~10Mb
     let num_shreds = ((10000 * 1000) + (shred_size - 1)) / shred_size;
     let num_ticks = max_ticks_per_n_shreds(1) * num_shreds as u64;
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_ticks, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_ticks, 0, Hash::default());
     let shredder = Shredder::new(1, 0, RECOMMENDED_FEC_RATE, kp).unwrap();
     let data_shreds = shredder.entries_to_shreds(&entries, true, 0).0;
     bencher.iter(|| {
diff --git a/core/src/blockstream_service.rs b/core/src/blockstream_service.rs
index 69530faaf5..2d2c5e178f 100644
--- a/core/src/blockstream_service.rs
+++ b/core/src/blockstream_service.rs
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ mod test {
         let (slot_full_sender, slot_full_receiver) = channel();
 
         // Create entries - 4 ticks + 1 populated entry + 1 tick
-        let mut entries = create_ticks(4, Hash::default());
+        let mut entries = create_ticks(4, 0, Hash::default());
 
         let keypair = Keypair::new();
         let mut blockhash = entries[3].hash;
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ mod test {
         let entry = Entry::new(&mut blockhash, 1, vec![tx]);
         blockhash = entry.hash;
         entries.push(entry);
-        let final_tick = create_ticks(1, blockhash);
+        let final_tick = create_ticks(1, 0, blockhash);
         entries.extend_from_slice(&final_tick);
 
         let expected_entries = entries.clone();
diff --git a/core/src/broadcast_stage.rs b/core/src/broadcast_stage.rs
index cdfd535ad4..dc4170354b 100644
--- a/core/src/broadcast_stage.rs
+++ b/core/src/broadcast_stage.rs
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ mod test {
                 max_tick_height = bank.max_tick_height();
                 ticks_per_slot = bank.ticks_per_slot();
                 slot = bank.slot();
-                let ticks = create_ticks(max_tick_height - start_tick_height, Hash::default());
+                let ticks = create_ticks(max_tick_height - start_tick_height, 0, Hash::default());
                 for (i, tick) in ticks.into_iter().enumerate() {
                     entry_sender
                         .send((bank.clone(), (tick, i as u64 + 1)))
diff --git a/core/src/broadcast_stage/standard_broadcast_run.rs b/core/src/broadcast_stage/standard_broadcast_run.rs
index b3a7e74dbe..80ec26ba1d 100644
--- a/core/src/broadcast_stage/standard_broadcast_run.rs
+++ b/core/src/broadcast_stage/standard_broadcast_run.rs
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ mod test {
             setup(num_shreds_per_slot);
 
         // Insert 1 less than the number of ticks needed to finish the slot
-        let ticks = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot - 1, genesis_block.hash());
+        let ticks = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot - 1, 0, genesis_block.hash());
         let receive_results = ReceiveResults {
             entries: ticks.clone(),
             time_elapsed: Duration::new(3, 0),
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ mod test {
         // Interrupting the slot should cause the unfinished_slot and stats to reset
         let num_shreds = 1;
         assert!(num_shreds < num_shreds_per_slot);
-        let ticks = create_ticks(max_ticks_per_n_shreds(num_shreds), genesis_block.hash());
+        let ticks = create_ticks(max_ticks_per_n_shreds(num_shreds), 0, genesis_block.hash());
         let receive_results = ReceiveResults {
             entries: ticks.clone(),
             time_elapsed: Duration::new(2, 0),
@@ -401,7 +401,7 @@ mod test {
             setup(num_shreds_per_slot);
 
         // Insert complete slot of ticks needed to finish the slot
-        let ticks = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, genesis_block.hash());
+        let ticks = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, 0, genesis_block.hash());
         let receive_results = ReceiveResults {
             entries: ticks.clone(),
             time_elapsed: Duration::new(3, 0),
diff --git a/core/src/chacha_cuda.rs b/core/src/chacha_cuda.rs
index 39ec67994e..e6466ba1b2 100644
--- a/core/src/chacha_cuda.rs
+++ b/core/src/chacha_cuda.rs
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ mod tests {
         }
 
         let slots_per_segment = 32;
-        let entries = create_ticks(slots_per_segment, Hash::default());
+        let entries = create_ticks(slots_per_segment, 0, Hash::default());
         let ledger_dir = "test_encrypt_file_many_keys_single";
         let ledger_path = get_tmp_ledger_path(ledger_dir);
         let ticks_per_slot = 16;
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ledger_dir = "test_encrypt_file_many_keys_multiple";
         let ledger_path = get_tmp_ledger_path(ledger_dir);
         let ticks_per_slot = 90;
-        let entries = create_ticks(2 * ticks_per_slot, Hash::default());
+        let entries = create_ticks(2 * ticks_per_slot, 0, Hash::default());
         let blocktree = Arc::new(Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).unwrap());
         blocktree
             .write_entries(
diff --git a/core/src/packet.rs b/core/src/packet.rs
index 84802d8343..28166f3f4d 100644
--- a/core/src/packet.rs
+++ b/core/src/packet.rs
@@ -160,14 +160,6 @@ impl fmt::Debug for Blob {
     }
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug)]
-pub enum BlobError {
-    /// the Blob's meta and data are not self-consistent
-    BadState,
-    /// Blob verification failed
-    VerificationFailed,
-}
-
 impl Packets {
     pub fn recv_from(&mut self, socket: &UdpSocket) -> Result<usize> {
         let mut i = 0;
diff --git a/core/src/replay_stage.rs b/core/src/replay_stage.rs
index e813f7a889..eb27b4c754 100644
--- a/core/src/replay_stage.rs
+++ b/core/src/replay_stage.rs
@@ -5,12 +5,12 @@ use crate::confidence::{
     AggregateConfidenceService, ConfidenceAggregationData, ForkConfidenceCache,
 };
 use crate::consensus::{StakeLockout, Tower};
-use crate::packet::BlobError;
 use crate::poh_recorder::PohRecorder;
 use crate::result::{Error, Result};
 use crate::rpc_subscriptions::RpcSubscriptions;
 use crate::service::Service;
 use solana_ledger::bank_forks::BankForks;
+use solana_ledger::block_error::BlockError;
 use solana_ledger::blocktree::{Blocktree, BlocktreeError};
 use solana_ledger::blocktree_processor;
 use solana_ledger::entry::{Entry, EntrySlice};
@@ -113,6 +113,7 @@ struct ForkProgress {
     last_entry: Hash,
     num_shreds: usize,
     num_entries: usize,
+    tick_hash_count: u64,
     started_ms: u64,
     is_dead: bool,
     stats: ReplaySlotStats,
@@ -124,6 +125,7 @@ impl ForkProgress {
             last_entry,
             num_shreds: 0,
             num_entries: 0,
+            tick_hash_count: 0,
             started_ms: timing::timestamp(),
             is_dead: false,
             stats: ReplaySlotStats::new(slot),
@@ -399,7 +401,7 @@ impl ReplayStage {
                 let tx_error = Err(e.clone());
                 !Bank::can_commit(&tx_error)
             }
-            Err(Error::BlobError(BlobError::VerificationFailed)) => true,
+            Err(Error::BlockError(_)) => true,
             Err(Error::BlocktreeError(BlocktreeError::InvalidShredData(_))) => true,
             _ => false,
         }
@@ -759,25 +761,46 @@ impl ReplayStage {
         result
     }
 
+    fn verify_ticks(
+        bank: &Arc<Bank>,
+        entries: &[Entry],
+        tick_hash_count: &mut u64,
+    ) -> std::result::Result<(), BlockError> {
+        if entries.is_empty() {
+            return Ok(());
+        }
+
+        let hashes_per_tick = bank.hashes_per_tick().unwrap_or(0);
+        if !entries.verify_tick_hash_count(tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick) {
+            return Err(BlockError::InvalidTickHashCount);
+        }
+
+        let next_bank_tick_height = bank.tick_height() + entries.tick_count();
+        let max_bank_tick_height = bank.max_tick_height();
+        if next_bank_tick_height > max_bank_tick_height {
+            return Err(BlockError::InvalidTickCount);
+        }
+
+        let has_trailing_entry = !entries.last().unwrap().is_tick();
+        if next_bank_tick_height == max_bank_tick_height && has_trailing_entry {
+            return Err(BlockError::TrailingEntry);
+        }
+
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
     fn verify_and_process_entries(
         bank: &Arc<Bank>,
         entries: &[Entry],
         shred_index: usize,
         bank_progress: &mut ForkProgress,
     ) -> Result<()> {
-        datapoint_debug!("verify-batch-size", ("size", entries.len() as i64, i64));
-        let mut verify_total = Measure::start("verify_and_process_entries");
         let last_entry = &bank_progress.last_entry;
-        let mut entry_state = entries.start_verify(last_entry);
-
-        let mut replay_elapsed = Measure::start("replay_elapsed");
-        let res = blocktree_processor::process_entries(bank, entries, true);
-        replay_elapsed.stop();
-        bank_progress.stats.replay_elapsed += replay_elapsed.as_us();
-
-        if !entry_state.finish_verify(entries) {
-            info!(
-                "entry verification failed, slot: {}, entry len: {}, tick_height: {}, last entry: {}, last_blockhash: {}, shred_index: {}",
+        let tick_hash_count = &mut bank_progress.tick_hash_count;
+        let handle_block_error = move |block_error: BlockError| -> Result<()> {
+            warn!(
+                "{:#?}, slot: {}, entry len: {}, tick_height: {}, last entry: {}, last_blockhash: {}, shred_index: {}",
+                block_error,
                 bank.slot(),
                 entries.len(),
                 bank.tick_height(),
@@ -791,8 +814,27 @@ impl ReplayStage {
                 ("slot", bank.slot(), i64),
                 ("last_entry", last_entry.to_string(), String),
             );
-            return Err(Error::BlobError(BlobError::VerificationFailed));
+
+            Err(Error::BlockError(block_error))
+        };
+
+        if let Err(block_error) = Self::verify_ticks(bank, entries, tick_hash_count) {
+            return handle_block_error(block_error);
         }
+
+        datapoint_info!("verify-batch-size", ("size", entries.len() as i64, i64));
+        let mut verify_total = Measure::start("verify_and_process_entries");
+        let mut entry_state = entries.start_verify(last_entry);
+
+        let mut replay_elapsed = Measure::start("replay_elapsed");
+        let res = blocktree_processor::process_entries(bank, entries, true);
+        replay_elapsed.stop();
+        bank_progress.stats.replay_elapsed += replay_elapsed.as_us();
+
+        if !entry_state.finish_verify(entries) {
+            return handle_block_error(BlockError::InvalidEntryHash);
+        }
+
         verify_total.stop();
         bank_progress.stats.entry_verification_elapsed =
             verify_total.as_us() - replay_elapsed.as_us();
@@ -951,17 +993,20 @@ mod test {
         let missing_keypair = Keypair::new();
         let missing_keypair2 = Keypair::new();
 
-        let res = check_dead_fork(|_keypair, blockhash, slot| {
+        let res = check_dead_fork(|_keypair, bank| {
+            let blockhash = bank.last_blockhash();
+            let slot = bank.slot();
+            let hashes_per_tick = bank.hashes_per_tick().unwrap_or(0);
             let entry = entry::next_entry(
-                blockhash,
-                1,
+                &blockhash,
+                hashes_per_tick.saturating_sub(1),
                 vec![
-                    system_transaction::transfer(&keypair1, &keypair2.pubkey(), 2, *blockhash), // should be fine,
+                    system_transaction::transfer(&keypair1, &keypair2.pubkey(), 2, blockhash), // should be fine,
                     system_transaction::transfer(
                         &missing_keypair,
                         &missing_keypair2.pubkey(),
                         2,
-                        *blockhash,
+                        blockhash,
                     ), // should cause AccountNotFound error
                 ],
             );
@@ -977,29 +1022,105 @@ mod test {
     #[test]
     fn test_dead_fork_entry_verification_failure() {
         let keypair2 = Keypair::new();
-        let res = check_dead_fork(|genesis_keypair, blockhash, slot| {
+        let res = check_dead_fork(|genesis_keypair, bank| {
+            let blockhash = bank.last_blockhash();
+            let slot = bank.slot();
             let bad_hash = hash(&[2; 30]);
+            let hashes_per_tick = bank.hashes_per_tick().unwrap_or(0);
             let entry = entry::next_entry(
                 // Use wrong blockhash so that the entry causes an entry verification failure
                 &bad_hash,
-                1,
+                hashes_per_tick.saturating_sub(1),
                 vec![system_transaction::transfer(
                     &genesis_keypair,
                     &keypair2.pubkey(),
                     2,
-                    *blockhash,
+                    blockhash,
                 )],
             );
             entries_to_test_shreds(vec![entry], slot, slot.saturating_sub(1), false)
         });
 
-        assert_matches!(res, Err(Error::BlobError(BlobError::VerificationFailed)));
+        if let Err(Error::BlockError(block_error)) = res {
+            assert_eq!(block_error, BlockError::InvalidEntryHash);
+        } else {
+            assert!(false);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_dead_fork_invalid_tick_hash_count() {
+        let res = check_dead_fork(|_keypair, bank| {
+            let blockhash = bank.last_blockhash();
+            let slot = bank.slot();
+            let hashes_per_tick = bank.hashes_per_tick().unwrap_or(0);
+            assert!(hashes_per_tick > 0);
+
+            let too_few_hashes_tick = Entry::new(&blockhash, hashes_per_tick - 1, vec![]);
+            entries_to_test_shreds(
+                vec![too_few_hashes_tick],
+                slot,
+                slot.saturating_sub(1),
+                false,
+            )
+        });
+
+        if let Err(Error::BlockError(block_error)) = res {
+            assert_eq!(block_error, BlockError::InvalidTickHashCount);
+        } else {
+            assert!(false);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_dead_fork_invalid_slot_tick_count() {
+        let res = check_dead_fork(|_keypair, bank| {
+            let blockhash = bank.last_blockhash();
+            let slot = bank.slot();
+            let hashes_per_tick = bank.hashes_per_tick().unwrap_or(0);
+            entries_to_test_shreds(
+                entry::create_ticks(bank.ticks_per_slot() + 1, hashes_per_tick, blockhash),
+                slot,
+                slot.saturating_sub(1),
+                false,
+            )
+        });
+
+        if let Err(Error::BlockError(block_error)) = res {
+            assert_eq!(block_error, BlockError::InvalidTickCount);
+        } else {
+            assert!(false);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_dead_fork_trailing_entry() {
+        let keypair = Keypair::new();
+        let res = check_dead_fork(|genesis_keypair, bank| {
+            let blockhash = bank.last_blockhash();
+            let slot = bank.slot();
+            let hashes_per_tick = bank.hashes_per_tick().unwrap_or(0);
+            let mut entries =
+                entry::create_ticks(bank.ticks_per_slot(), hashes_per_tick, blockhash.clone());
+            let last_entry_hash = entries.last().unwrap().hash;
+            let tx =
+                system_transaction::transfer(&genesis_keypair, &keypair.pubkey(), 2, blockhash);
+            let trailing_entry = entry::next_entry(&last_entry_hash, 1, vec![tx]);
+            entries.push(trailing_entry);
+            entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, slot.saturating_sub(1), false)
+        });
+
+        if let Err(Error::BlockError(block_error)) = res {
+            assert_eq!(block_error, BlockError::TrailingEntry);
+        } else {
+            assert!(false);
+        }
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn test_dead_fork_entry_deserialize_failure() {
         // Insert entry that causes deserialization failure
-        let res = check_dead_fork(|_, _, _| {
+        let res = check_dead_fork(|_, _| {
             let payload_len = SIZE_OF_DATA_SHRED_PAYLOAD;
             let gibberish = [0xa5u8; PACKET_DATA_SIZE];
             let mut data_header = DataShredHeader::default();
@@ -1027,7 +1148,7 @@ mod test {
     // marked as dead. Returns the error for caller to verify.
     fn check_dead_fork<F>(shred_to_insert: F) -> Result<()>
     where
-        F: Fn(&Keypair, &Hash, u64) -> Vec<Shred>,
+        F: Fn(&Keypair, Arc<Bank>) -> Vec<Shred>,
     {
         let ledger_path = get_tmp_ledger_path!();
         let res = {
@@ -1035,15 +1156,16 @@ mod test {
                 Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).expect("Expected to be able to open database ledger"),
             );
             let GenesisBlockInfo {
-                genesis_block,
+                mut genesis_block,
                 mint_keypair,
                 ..
             } = create_genesis_block(1000);
+            genesis_block.poh_config.hashes_per_tick = Some(2);
             let bank0 = Arc::new(Bank::new(&genesis_block));
             let mut progress = HashMap::new();
             let last_blockhash = bank0.last_blockhash();
             progress.insert(bank0.slot(), ForkProgress::new(0, last_blockhash));
-            let shreds = shred_to_insert(&mint_keypair, &last_blockhash, bank0.slot());
+            let shreds = shred_to_insert(&mint_keypair, bank0.clone());
             blocktree.insert_shreds(shreds, None).unwrap();
             let (res, _tx_count) =
                 ReplayStage::replay_blocktree_into_bank(&bank0, &blocktree, &mut progress);
diff --git a/core/src/result.rs b/core/src/result.rs
index ebada594a7..87d063053a 100644
--- a/core/src/result.rs
+++ b/core/src/result.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 //! The `result` module exposes a Result type that propagates one of many different Error types.
 
 use crate::cluster_info;
-use crate::packet;
 use crate::poh_recorder;
+use solana_ledger::block_error;
 use solana_ledger::blocktree;
 use solana_ledger::snapshot_utils;
 use solana_sdk::transaction;
@@ -23,10 +23,10 @@ pub enum Error {
     Serialize(std::boxed::Box<bincode::ErrorKind>),
     TransactionError(transaction::TransactionError),
     ClusterInfoError(cluster_info::ClusterInfoError),
-    BlobError(packet::BlobError),
     ErasureError(reed_solomon_erasure::Error),
     SendError,
     PohRecorderError(poh_recorder::PohRecorderError),
+    BlockError(block_error::BlockError),
     BlocktreeError(blocktree::BlocktreeError),
     FsExtra(fs_extra::error::Error),
     ToBlobError,
diff --git a/core/src/window_service.rs b/core/src/window_service.rs
index 318e0a4aef..f8733b2437 100644
--- a/core/src/window_service.rs
+++ b/core/src/window_service.rs
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ mod test {
         let blocktree_path = get_tmp_ledger_path!();
         let blocktree = Arc::new(Blocktree::open(&blocktree_path).unwrap());
         let num_entries = 10;
-        let original_entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+        let original_entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
         let mut shreds = local_entries_to_shred(&original_entries, 0, 0, &Arc::new(Keypair::new()));
         shreds.reverse();
         blocktree
diff --git a/core/tests/storage_stage.rs b/core/tests/storage_stage.rs
index 85472a7047..45de08f138 100644
--- a/core/tests/storage_stage.rs
+++ b/core/tests/storage_stage.rs
@@ -117,6 +117,7 @@ mod tests {
             &next_bank,
             &entry::create_ticks(
                 DEFAULT_TICKS_PER_SLOT * next_bank.slots_per_segment() + 1,
+                0,
                 bank.last_blockhash(),
             ),
             true,
@@ -207,7 +208,7 @@ mod tests {
                 let bank = Arc::new(Bank::new_from_parent(&last_bank, &keypair.pubkey(), i));
                 blocktree_processor::process_entries(
                     &bank,
-                    &entry::create_ticks(64, bank.last_blockhash()),
+                    &entry::create_ticks(64, 0, bank.last_blockhash()),
                     true,
                 )
                 .expect("failed process entries");
diff --git a/ledger/src/block_error.rs b/ledger/src/block_error.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..eca7342a76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ledger/src/block_error.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
+pub enum BlockError {
+    /// Block entries hashes must all be valid
+    InvalidEntryHash,
+
+    /// Blocks can not have extra ticks or missing ticks
+    InvalidTickCount,
+
+    /// All ticks must contain the same number of hashes within a block
+    InvalidTickHashCount,
+
+    /// Blocks must end in a tick entry, trailing transaction entries are not allowed to guarantee
+    /// that each block has the same number of hashes
+    TrailingEntry,
+}
diff --git a/ledger/src/blocktree.rs b/ledger/src/blocktree.rs
index 263f7a6cc3..ce3ff6e869 100644
--- a/ledger/src/blocktree.rs
+++ b/ledger/src/blocktree.rs
@@ -888,18 +888,12 @@ impl Blocktree {
         keypair: &Arc<Keypair>,
         entries: Vec<Entry>,
     ) -> Result<usize> {
-        assert!(num_ticks_in_start_slot < ticks_per_slot);
-        let mut remaining_ticks_in_slot = ticks_per_slot - num_ticks_in_start_slot;
+        let mut parent_slot = parent.map_or(start_slot.saturating_sub(1), |v| v);
+        let num_slots = (start_slot - parent_slot).max(1); // Note: slot 0 has parent slot 0
+        assert!(num_ticks_in_start_slot < num_slots * ticks_per_slot);
+        let mut remaining_ticks_in_slot = num_slots * ticks_per_slot - num_ticks_in_start_slot;
 
         let mut current_slot = start_slot;
-        let mut parent_slot = parent.map_or(
-            if current_slot == 0 {
-                current_slot
-            } else {
-                current_slot - 1
-            },
-            |v| v,
-        );
         let mut shredder = Shredder::new(current_slot, parent_slot, 0.0, keypair.clone())
             .expect("Failed to create entry shredder");
         let mut all_shreds = vec![];
@@ -1686,14 +1680,14 @@ fn slot_has_updates(slot_meta: &SlotMeta, slot_meta_backup: &Option<SlotMeta>) -
 //
 // Returns the blockhash that can be used to append entries with.
 pub fn create_new_ledger(ledger_path: &Path, genesis_block: &GenesisBlock) -> Result<Hash> {
-    let ticks_per_slot = genesis_block.ticks_per_slot;
     Blocktree::destroy(ledger_path)?;
     genesis_block.write(&ledger_path)?;
 
     // Fill slot 0 with ticks that link back to the genesis_block to bootstrap the ledger.
     let blocktree = Blocktree::open(ledger_path)?;
-
-    let entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, genesis_block.hash());
+    let ticks_per_slot = genesis_block.ticks_per_slot;
+    let hashes_per_tick = genesis_block.poh_config.hashes_per_tick.unwrap_or(0);
+    let entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, hashes_per_tick, genesis_block.hash());
     let last_hash = entries.last().unwrap().hash;
 
     let shredder = Shredder::new(0, 0, 0.0, Arc::new(Keypair::new()))
@@ -1787,16 +1781,18 @@ pub fn entries_to_test_shreds(
     shredder.entries_to_shreds(&entries, is_full_slot, 0).0
 }
 
+// used for tests only
 pub fn make_slot_entries(
     slot: u64,
     parent_slot: u64,
     num_entries: u64,
 ) -> (Vec<Shred>, Vec<Entry>) {
-    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
     let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries.clone(), slot, parent_slot, true);
     (shreds, entries)
 }
 
+// used for tests only
 pub fn make_many_slot_entries(
     start_slot: u64,
     num_slots: u64,
@@ -1816,6 +1812,7 @@ pub fn make_many_slot_entries(
 }
 
 // Create shreds for slots that have a parent-child relationship defined by the input `chain`
+// used for tests only
 pub fn make_chaining_slot_entries(
     chain: &[u64],
     entries_per_slot: u64,
@@ -1857,7 +1854,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         let (ledger_path, _blockhash) = create_new_tmp_ledger!(&genesis_block);
         let ledger = Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).unwrap();
 
-        let ticks = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, genesis_block.hash());
+        let ticks = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, 0, genesis_block.hash());
         let entries = ledger.get_slot_entries(0, 0, None).unwrap();
 
         assert_eq!(ticks, entries);
@@ -1911,7 +1908,7 @@ pub mod tests {
             let mut shreds_per_slot = vec![];
 
             for i in 0..num_slots {
-                let mut new_ticks = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, Hash::default());
+                let mut new_ticks = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, 0, Hash::default());
                 let num_shreds = ledger
                     .write_entries(
                         i,
@@ -2241,7 +2238,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         let blocktree_path = get_tmp_ledger_path("test_get_slot_entries1");
         {
             let blocktree = Blocktree::open(&blocktree_path).unwrap();
-            let entries = create_ticks(8, Hash::default());
+            let entries = create_ticks(8, 0, Hash::default());
             let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries[0..4].to_vec(), 1, 0, false);
             blocktree
                 .insert_shreds(shreds, None)
@@ -2276,7 +2273,7 @@ pub mod tests {
             let num_slots = 5 as u64;
             let mut index = 0;
             for slot in 0..num_slots {
-                let entries = create_ticks(slot + 1, Hash::default());
+                let entries = create_ticks(slot + 1, 0, Hash::default());
                 let last_entry = entries.last().unwrap().clone();
                 let mut shreds =
                     entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, slot.saturating_sub(1), false);
@@ -2308,13 +2305,13 @@ pub mod tests {
             let num_slots = 5 as u64;
             let shreds_per_slot = 5 as u64;
             let entry_serialized_size =
-                bincode::serialized_size(&create_ticks(1, Hash::default())).unwrap();
+                bincode::serialized_size(&create_ticks(1, 0, Hash::default())).unwrap();
             let entries_per_slot =
                 (shreds_per_slot * PACKET_DATA_SIZE as u64) / entry_serialized_size;
 
             // Write entries
             for slot in 0..num_slots {
-                let entries = create_ticks(entries_per_slot, Hash::default());
+                let entries = create_ticks(entries_per_slot, 0, Hash::default());
                 let shreds =
                     entries_to_test_shreds(entries.clone(), slot, slot.saturating_sub(1), false);
                 assert!(shreds.len() as u64 >= shreds_per_slot);
@@ -3097,7 +3094,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         assert!(gap > 3);
         // Create enough entries to ensure there are at least two shreds created
         let num_entries = max_ticks_per_n_shreds(1) + 1;
-        let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+        let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
         let mut shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, 0, true);
         let num_shreds = shreds.len();
         assert!(num_shreds > 1);
@@ -3189,7 +3186,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         assert_eq!(blocktree.find_missing_data_indexes(slot, 4, 3, 1), empty);
         assert_eq!(blocktree.find_missing_data_indexes(slot, 1, 2, 0), empty);
 
-        let entries = create_ticks(100, Hash::default());
+        let entries = create_ticks(100, 0, Hash::default());
         let mut shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, 0, true);
         assert!(shreds.len() > 2);
         shreds.drain(2..);
@@ -3231,7 +3228,7 @@ pub mod tests {
 
         // Write entries
         let num_entries = 10;
-        let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, Hash::default());
+        let entries = create_ticks(num_entries, 0, Hash::default());
         let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, 0, true);
         let num_shreds = shreds.len();
 
@@ -3746,7 +3743,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         {
             let blocktree = Blocktree::open(&blocktree_path).unwrap();
             let num_ticks = 8;
-            let entries = create_ticks(num_ticks, Hash::default());
+            let entries = create_ticks(num_ticks, 0, Hash::default());
             let slot = 1;
             let shreds = entries_to_test_shreds(entries, slot, 0, false);
             let next_shred_index = shreds.len();
diff --git a/ledger/src/blocktree_processor.rs b/ledger/src/blocktree_processor.rs
index ee27966672..350ff216aa 100644
--- a/ledger/src/blocktree_processor.rs
+++ b/ledger/src/blocktree_processor.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 use crate::bank_forks::BankForks;
+use crate::block_error::BlockError;
 use crate::blocktree::Blocktree;
 use crate::blocktree_meta::SlotMeta;
 use crate::entry::{create_ticks, Entry, EntrySlice};
@@ -173,9 +174,18 @@ pub struct BankForksInfo {
     pub bank_slot: u64,
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug)]
+#[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
 pub enum BlocktreeProcessorError {
-    LedgerVerificationFailed,
+    FailedToLoadEntries,
+    FailedToLoadMeta,
+    InvalidBlock(BlockError),
+    InvalidTransaction,
+}
+
+impl From<BlockError> for BlocktreeProcessorError {
+    fn from(block_error: BlockError) -> Self {
+        BlocktreeProcessorError::InvalidBlock(block_error)
+    }
 }
 
 /// Callback for accessing bank state while processing the blocktree
@@ -277,7 +287,7 @@ pub fn process_blocktree_from_root(
     Ok((bank_forks, bank_forks_info, leader_schedule_cache))
 }
 
-fn verify_and_process_entries(
+fn verify_and_process_slot_entries(
     bank: &Arc<Bank>,
     entries: &[Entry],
     last_entry_hash: Hash,
@@ -285,9 +295,34 @@ fn verify_and_process_entries(
 ) -> result::Result<Hash, BlocktreeProcessorError> {
     assert!(!entries.is_empty());
 
-    if opts.verify_ledger && !entries.verify(&last_entry_hash) {
-        warn!("Ledger proof of history failed at slot: {}", bank.slot());
-        return Err(BlocktreeProcessorError::LedgerVerificationFailed);
+    if opts.verify_ledger {
+        let next_bank_tick_height = bank.tick_height() + entries.tick_count();
+        let max_bank_tick_height = bank.max_tick_height();
+        if next_bank_tick_height != max_bank_tick_height {
+            warn!(
+                "Invalid number of entry ticks found in slot: {}",
+                bank.slot()
+            );
+            return Err(BlockError::InvalidTickCount.into());
+        } else if !entries.last().unwrap().is_tick() {
+            warn!("Slot: {} did not end with a tick entry", bank.slot());
+            return Err(BlockError::TrailingEntry.into());
+        }
+
+        if let Some(hashes_per_tick) = bank.hashes_per_tick() {
+            if !entries.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut 0, *hashes_per_tick) {
+                warn!(
+                    "Tick with invalid number of hashes found in slot: {}",
+                    bank.slot()
+                );
+                return Err(BlockError::InvalidTickHashCount.into());
+            }
+        }
+
+        if !entries.verify(&last_entry_hash) {
+            warn!("Ledger proof of history failed at slot: {}", bank.slot());
+            return Err(BlockError::InvalidEntryHash.into());
+        }
     }
 
     process_entries_with_callback(bank, &entries, true, opts.entry_callback.as_ref()).map_err(
@@ -297,7 +332,7 @@ fn verify_and_process_entries(
                 bank.slot(),
                 err
             );
-            BlocktreeProcessorError::LedgerVerificationFailed
+            BlocktreeProcessorError::InvalidTransaction
         },
     )?;
 
@@ -315,15 +350,10 @@ fn process_bank_0(
     // Fetch all entries for this slot
     let entries = blocktree.get_slot_entries(0, 0, None).map_err(|err| {
         warn!("Failed to load entries for slot 0, err: {:?}", err);
-        BlocktreeProcessorError::LedgerVerificationFailed
+        BlocktreeProcessorError::FailedToLoadEntries
     })?;
 
-    if entries.is_empty() {
-        warn!("entry0 not present");
-        return Err(BlocktreeProcessorError::LedgerVerificationFailed);
-    }
-
-    verify_and_process_entries(bank0, &entries, bank0.last_blockhash(), opts)?;
+    verify_and_process_slot_entries(bank0, &entries, bank0.last_blockhash(), opts)?;
 
     bank0.freeze();
 
@@ -355,7 +385,7 @@ fn process_next_slots(
             .meta(*next_slot)
             .map_err(|err| {
                 warn!("Failed to load meta for slot {}: {:?}", next_slot, err);
-                BlocktreeProcessorError::LedgerVerificationFailed
+                BlocktreeProcessorError::FailedToLoadMeta
             })?
             .unwrap();
 
@@ -419,10 +449,10 @@ fn process_pending_slots(
         // Fetch all entries for this slot
         let entries = blocktree.get_slot_entries(slot, 0, None).map_err(|err| {
             warn!("Failed to load entries for slot {}: {:?}", slot, err);
-            BlocktreeProcessorError::LedgerVerificationFailed
+            BlocktreeProcessorError::FailedToLoadEntries
         })?;
 
-        verify_and_process_entries(&bank, &entries, last_entry_hash, opts)?;
+        verify_and_process_slot_entries(&bank, &entries, last_entry_hash, opts)?;
 
         bank.freeze(); // all banks handled by this routine are created from complete slots
 
@@ -463,7 +493,8 @@ pub fn fill_blocktree_slot_with_ticks(
     parent_slot: u64,
     last_entry_hash: Hash,
 ) -> Hash {
-    let entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, last_entry_hash);
+    let num_slots = (slot - parent_slot).max(1); // Note: slot 0 has parent slot 0
+    let entries = create_ticks(num_slots * ticks_per_slot, 0, last_entry_hash);
     let last_entry_hash = entries.last().unwrap().hash;
 
     blocktree
@@ -486,7 +517,7 @@ pub fn fill_blocktree_slot_with_ticks(
 pub mod tests {
     use super::*;
     use crate::blocktree::create_new_tmp_ledger;
-    use crate::entry::{create_ticks, next_entry, next_entry_mut, Entry};
+    use crate::entry::{create_ticks, next_entry, next_entry_mut};
     use crate::genesis_utils::{
         create_genesis_block, create_genesis_block_with_leader, GenesisBlockInfo,
     };
@@ -503,6 +534,140 @@ pub mod tests {
     };
     use std::sync::RwLock;
 
+    #[test]
+    fn test_process_blocktree_with_missing_hashes() {
+        solana_logger::setup();
+
+        let hashes_per_tick = 2;
+        let GenesisBlockInfo {
+            mut genesis_block, ..
+        } = create_genesis_block(10_000);
+        genesis_block.poh_config.hashes_per_tick = Some(hashes_per_tick);
+        let ticks_per_slot = genesis_block.ticks_per_slot;
+
+        let (ledger_path, blockhash) = create_new_tmp_ledger!(&genesis_block);
+        let blocktree =
+            Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).expect("Expected to successfully open database ledger");
+
+        let parent_slot = 0;
+        let slot = 1;
+        let entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, hashes_per_tick - 1, blockhash);
+        blocktree
+            .write_entries(
+                slot,
+                0,
+                0,
+                ticks_per_slot,
+                Some(parent_slot),
+                true,
+                &Arc::new(Keypair::new()),
+                entries,
+            )
+            .expect("Expected to write shredded entries to blocktree");
+
+        let opts = ProcessOptions {
+            verify_ledger: true,
+            ..ProcessOptions::default()
+        };
+        assert_eq!(
+            process_blocktree(&genesis_block, &blocktree, None, opts).err(),
+            Some(BlocktreeProcessorError::InvalidBlock(
+                BlockError::InvalidTickHashCount
+            )),
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_process_blocktree_with_invalid_slot_tick_count() {
+        solana_logger::setup();
+
+        let GenesisBlockInfo { genesis_block, .. } = create_genesis_block(10_000);
+        let ticks_per_slot = genesis_block.ticks_per_slot;
+
+        // Create a new ledger with slot 0 full of ticks
+        let (ledger_path, blockhash) = create_new_tmp_ledger!(&genesis_block);
+        let blocktree = Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).unwrap();
+
+        // Write slot 1 with one tick missing
+        let parent_slot = 0;
+        let slot = 1;
+        let entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot - 1, 0, blockhash);
+        blocktree
+            .write_entries(
+                slot,
+                0,
+                0,
+                ticks_per_slot,
+                Some(parent_slot),
+                true,
+                &Arc::new(Keypair::new()),
+                entries,
+            )
+            .expect("Expected to write shredded entries to blocktree");
+
+        let opts = ProcessOptions {
+            verify_ledger: true,
+            ..ProcessOptions::default()
+        };
+        assert_eq!(
+            process_blocktree(&genesis_block, &blocktree, None, opts).err(),
+            Some(BlocktreeProcessorError::InvalidBlock(
+                BlockError::InvalidTickCount
+            )),
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_process_blocktree_with_slot_with_trailing_entry() {
+        solana_logger::setup();
+
+        let GenesisBlockInfo {
+            mint_keypair,
+            genesis_block,
+            ..
+        } = create_genesis_block(10_000);
+        let ticks_per_slot = genesis_block.ticks_per_slot;
+
+        let (ledger_path, blockhash) = create_new_tmp_ledger!(&genesis_block);
+        let blocktree = Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).unwrap();
+
+        let mut entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, 0, blockhash);
+        let trailing_entry = {
+            let keypair = Keypair::new();
+            let tx = system_transaction::transfer(&mint_keypair, &keypair.pubkey(), 1, blockhash);
+            next_entry(&blockhash, 1, vec![tx])
+        };
+        entries.push(trailing_entry);
+
+        // Tricks blocktree into writing the trailing entry by lying that there is one more tick
+        // per slot.
+        let parent_slot = 0;
+        let slot = 1;
+        blocktree
+            .write_entries(
+                slot,
+                0,
+                0,
+                ticks_per_slot + 1,
+                Some(parent_slot),
+                true,
+                &Arc::new(Keypair::new()),
+                entries,
+            )
+            .expect("Expected to write shredded entries to blocktree");
+
+        let opts = ProcessOptions {
+            verify_ledger: true,
+            ..ProcessOptions::default()
+        };
+        assert_eq!(
+            process_blocktree(&genesis_block, &blocktree, None, opts).err(),
+            Some(BlocktreeProcessorError::InvalidBlock(
+                BlockError::TrailingEntry
+            )),
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_process_blocktree_with_incomplete_slot() {
         solana_logger::setup();
@@ -534,7 +699,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         {
             let parent_slot = 0;
             let slot = 1;
-            let mut entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, blockhash);
+            let mut entries = create_ticks(ticks_per_slot, 0, blockhash);
             blockhash = entries.last().unwrap().hash;
 
             // throw away last one
@@ -841,7 +1006,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         } = create_genesis_block(2);
         let bank = Arc::new(Bank::new(&genesis_block));
         let keypair = Keypair::new();
-        let slot_entries = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, genesis_block.hash());
+        let slot_entries = create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, 1, genesis_block.hash());
         let tx = system_transaction::transfer(
             &mint_keypair,
             &keypair.pubkey(),
@@ -865,11 +1030,13 @@ pub mod tests {
         solana_logger::setup();
         let leader_pubkey = Pubkey::new_rand();
         let mint = 100;
+        let hashes_per_tick = 10;
         let GenesisBlockInfo {
-            genesis_block,
+            mut genesis_block,
             mint_keypair,
             ..
         } = create_genesis_block_with_leader(mint, &leader_pubkey, 50);
+        genesis_block.poh_config.hashes_per_tick = Some(hashes_per_tick);
         let (ledger_path, mut last_entry_hash) = create_new_tmp_ledger!(&genesis_block);
         debug!("ledger_path: {:?}", ledger_path);
 
@@ -880,8 +1047,7 @@ pub mod tests {
             // Transfer one token from the mint to a random account
             let keypair = Keypair::new();
             let tx = system_transaction::transfer(&mint_keypair, &keypair.pubkey(), 1, blockhash);
-            let entry = Entry::new(&last_entry_hash, 1, vec![tx]);
-            last_entry_hash = entry.hash;
+            let entry = next_entry_mut(&mut last_entry_hash, 1, vec![tx]);
             entries.push(entry);
 
             // Add a second Transaction that will produce a
@@ -889,14 +1055,22 @@ pub mod tests {
             let keypair2 = Keypair::new();
             let tx =
                 system_transaction::transfer(&mint_keypair, &keypair2.pubkey(), 101, blockhash);
-            let entry = Entry::new(&last_entry_hash, 1, vec![tx]);
-            last_entry_hash = entry.hash;
+            let entry = next_entry_mut(&mut last_entry_hash, 1, vec![tx]);
             entries.push(entry);
         }
 
+        let remaining_hashes = hashes_per_tick - entries.len() as u64;
+        let tick_entry = next_entry_mut(&mut last_entry_hash, remaining_hashes, vec![]);
+        entries.push(tick_entry);
+
         // Fill up the rest of slot 1 with ticks
-        entries.extend(create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, last_entry_hash));
+        entries.extend(create_ticks(
+            genesis_block.ticks_per_slot - 1,
+            genesis_block.poh_config.hashes_per_tick.unwrap(),
+            last_entry_hash,
+        ));
         let last_blockhash = entries.last().unwrap().hash;
+
         let blocktree =
             Blocktree::open(&ledger_path).expect("Expected to successfully open database ledger");
         blocktree
@@ -1004,7 +1178,11 @@ pub mod tests {
         let entry_2 = next_entry(&entry_1.hash, 1, vec![tx]);
 
         let mut entries = vec![entry_1, entry_2];
-        entries.extend(create_ticks(genesis_block.ticks_per_slot, last_entry_hash));
+        entries.extend(create_ticks(
+            genesis_block.ticks_per_slot,
+            0,
+            last_entry_hash,
+        ));
         blocktree
             .write_entries(
                 1,
@@ -1683,7 +1861,8 @@ pub mod tests {
         let bank1 = Arc::new(Bank::new_from_parent(&bank0, &Pubkey::default(), 1));
         bank1.squash();
         let slot1_entries = blocktree.get_slot_entries(1, 0, None).unwrap();
-        verify_and_process_entries(&bank1, &slot1_entries, bank0.last_blockhash(), &opts).unwrap();
+        verify_and_process_slot_entries(&bank1, &slot1_entries, bank0.last_blockhash(), &opts)
+            .unwrap();
 
         // Test process_blocktree_from_root() from slot 1 onwards
         let (bank_forks, bank_forks_info, _) =
diff --git a/ledger/src/entry.rs b/ledger/src/entry.rs
index 7960167233..7b24fbc603 100644
--- a/ledger/src/entry.rs
+++ b/ledger/src/entry.rs
@@ -61,32 +61,18 @@ pub struct Entry {
 
 impl Entry {
     /// Creates the next Entry `num_hashes` after `start_hash`.
-    pub fn new(prev_hash: &Hash, num_hashes: u64, transactions: Vec<Transaction>) -> Self {
-        if num_hashes == 0 && transactions.is_empty() {
-            Entry {
-                num_hashes: 0,
-                hash: *prev_hash,
-                transactions,
-            }
-        } else if num_hashes == 0 {
-            // If you passed in transactions, but passed in num_hashes == 0, then
-            // next_hash will generate the next hash and set num_hashes == 1
-            let hash = next_hash(prev_hash, 1, &transactions);
-            Entry {
-                num_hashes: 1,
-                hash,
-                transactions,
-            }
-        } else {
-            // Otherwise, the next Entry `num_hashes` after `start_hash`.
-            // If you wanted a tick for instance, then pass in num_hashes = 1
-            // and transactions = empty
-            let hash = next_hash(prev_hash, num_hashes, &transactions);
-            Entry {
-                num_hashes,
-                hash,
-                transactions,
-            }
+    pub fn new(prev_hash: &Hash, mut num_hashes: u64, transactions: Vec<Transaction>) -> Self {
+        // If you passed in transactions, but passed in num_hashes == 0, then
+        // next_hash will generate the next hash and set num_hashes == 1
+        if num_hashes == 0 && !transactions.is_empty() {
+            num_hashes = 1;
+        }
+
+        let hash = next_hash(prev_hash, num_hashes, &transactions);
+        Entry {
+            num_hashes,
+            hash,
+            transactions,
         }
     }
 
@@ -219,6 +205,12 @@ pub trait EntrySlice {
     fn verify_cpu(&self, start_hash: &Hash) -> EntryVerifyState;
     fn start_verify(&self, start_hash: &Hash) -> EntryVerifyState;
     fn verify(&self, start_hash: &Hash) -> bool;
+    /// Checks that each entry tick has the correct number of hashes. Entry slices do not
+    /// necessarily end in a tick, so `tick_hash_count` is used to carry over the hash count
+    /// for the next entry slice.
+    fn verify_tick_hash_count(&self, tick_hash_count: &mut u64, hashes_per_tick: u64) -> bool;
+    /// Counts tick entries
+    fn tick_count(&self) -> u64;
 }
 
 impl EntrySlice for [Entry] {
@@ -338,6 +330,34 @@ impl EntrySlice for [Entry] {
             hashes: Some(hashes),
         }
     }
+
+    fn verify_tick_hash_count(&self, tick_hash_count: &mut u64, hashes_per_tick: u64) -> bool {
+        // When hashes_per_tick is 0, hashing is disabled.
+        if hashes_per_tick == 0 {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        for entry in self {
+            *tick_hash_count += entry.num_hashes;
+            if entry.is_tick() {
+                if *tick_hash_count != hashes_per_tick {
+                    warn!(
+                        "invalid tick hash count!: entry: {:#?}, tick_hash_count: {}, hashes_per_tick: {}",
+                        entry,
+                        tick_hash_count,
+                        hashes_per_tick
+                    );
+                    return false;
+                }
+                *tick_hash_count = 0;
+            }
+        }
+        *tick_hash_count < hashes_per_tick
+    }
+
+    fn tick_count(&self) -> u64 {
+        self.iter().filter(|e| e.is_tick()).count() as u64
+    }
 }
 
 pub fn next_entry_mut(start: &mut Hash, num_hashes: u64, transactions: Vec<Transaction>) -> Entry {
@@ -346,10 +366,10 @@ pub fn next_entry_mut(start: &mut Hash, num_hashes: u64, transactions: Vec<Trans
     entry
 }
 
-pub fn create_ticks(num_ticks: u64, mut hash: Hash) -> Vec<Entry> {
+pub fn create_ticks(num_ticks: u64, hashes_per_tick: u64, mut hash: Hash) -> Vec<Entry> {
     let mut ticks = Vec::with_capacity(num_ticks as usize);
     for _ in 0..num_ticks {
-        let new_tick = next_entry_mut(&mut hash, 1, vec![]);
+        let new_tick = next_entry_mut(&mut hash, hashes_per_tick, vec![]);
         ticks.push(new_tick);
     }
 
@@ -373,9 +393,11 @@ mod tests {
     use chrono::prelude::Utc;
     use solana_budget_api::budget_instruction;
     use solana_sdk::{
-        hash::hash,
+        hash::{hash, Hash},
+        message::Message,
         signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil},
         system_transaction,
+        transaction::Transaction,
     };
 
     fn create_sample_payment(keypair: &Keypair, hash: Hash) -> Transaction {
@@ -528,4 +550,58 @@ mod tests {
         bad_ticks[1].hash = one;
         assert!(!bad_ticks.verify(&one)); // inductive step, bad
     }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_verify_tick_hash_count() {
+        let hashes_per_tick = 10;
+        let keypairs: Vec<&Keypair> = Vec::new();
+        let tx: Transaction =
+            Transaction::new(&keypairs, Message::new(Vec::new()), Hash::default());
+        let tx_entry = Entry::new(&Hash::default(), 1, vec![tx]);
+        let full_tick_entry = Entry::new_tick(hashes_per_tick, &Hash::default());
+        let partial_tick_entry = Entry::new_tick(hashes_per_tick - 1, &Hash::default());
+        let no_hash_tick_entry = Entry::new_tick(0, &Hash::default());
+        let single_hash_tick_entry = Entry::new_tick(1, &Hash::default());
+
+        let no_ticks = vec![];
+        let mut tick_hash_count = 0;
+        assert!(no_ticks.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, 0);
+
+        // validation is disabled when hashes_per_tick == 0
+        let no_hash_tick = vec![no_hash_tick_entry.clone()];
+        assert!(no_hash_tick.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, 0));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, 0);
+
+        // validation is disabled when hashes_per_tick == 0
+        let tx_and_no_hash_tick = vec![tx_entry.clone(), no_hash_tick_entry];
+        assert!(tx_and_no_hash_tick.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, 0));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, 0);
+
+        let single_tick = vec![full_tick_entry.clone()];
+        assert!(single_tick.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, 0);
+        assert!(!single_tick.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick - 1));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick);
+        tick_hash_count = 0;
+
+        let ticks_and_txs = vec![tx_entry.clone(), partial_tick_entry.clone()];
+        assert!(ticks_and_txs.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, 0);
+
+        let partial_tick = vec![partial_tick_entry.clone()];
+        assert!(!partial_tick.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick - 1);
+        tick_hash_count = 0;
+
+        let tx_entries: Vec<Entry> = (0..hashes_per_tick - 1).map(|_| tx_entry.clone()).collect();
+        let tx_entries_and_tick = [tx_entries, vec![single_hash_tick_entry]].concat();
+        assert!(tx_entries_and_tick.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, 0);
+
+        let too_many_tx_entries: Vec<Entry> =
+            (0..hashes_per_tick).map(|_| tx_entry.clone()).collect();
+        assert!(!too_many_tx_entries.verify_tick_hash_count(&mut tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick));
+        assert_eq!(tick_hash_count, hashes_per_tick);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/ledger/src/lib.rs b/ledger/src/lib.rs
index fa0c064ecf..c64a98dec9 100644
--- a/ledger/src/lib.rs
+++ b/ledger/src/lib.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 pub mod bank_forks;
+pub mod block_error;
 #[macro_use]
 pub mod blocktree;
 mod blocktree_db;
diff --git a/ledger/src/shred.rs b/ledger/src/shred.rs
index 539200c07c..a39cb99f1a 100644
--- a/ledger/src/shred.rs
+++ b/ledger/src/shred.rs
@@ -715,7 +715,7 @@ impl Shredder {
 }
 
 pub fn max_ticks_per_n_shreds(num_shreds: u64) -> u64 {
-    let ticks = create_ticks(1, Hash::default());
+    let ticks = create_ticks(1, 0, Hash::default());
     max_entries_per_n_shred(&ticks[0], num_shreds)
 }
 
diff --git a/ledger/tests/blocktree.rs b/ledger/tests/blocktree.rs
index 87dfa3e05f..b996a22add 100644
--- a/ledger/tests/blocktree.rs
+++ b/ledger/tests/blocktree.rs
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ fn test_multiple_threads_insert_shred() {
         // with parent = slot 0
         let threads: Vec<_> = (0..num_threads)
             .map(|i| {
-                let entries = entry::create_ticks(1, Hash::default());
+                let entries = entry::create_ticks(1, 0, Hash::default());
                 let shreds = blocktree::entries_to_test_shreds(entries, i + 1, 0, false);
                 let blocktree_ = blocktree.clone();
                 Builder::new()
diff --git a/runtime/src/bank.rs b/runtime/src/bank.rs
index 22e9be0a6d..ae195f4197 100644
--- a/runtime/src/bank.rs
+++ b/runtime/src/bank.rs
@@ -197,6 +197,9 @@ pub struct Bank {
     // Bank max_tick_height
     max_tick_height: u64,
 
+    /// The number of hashes in each tick. None value means hashing is disabled.
+    hashes_per_tick: Option<u64>,
+
     /// The number of ticks in each slot.
     ticks_per_slot: u64,
 
@@ -319,6 +322,7 @@ impl Bank {
             blockhash_queue: RwLock::new(parent.blockhash_queue.read().unwrap().clone()),
 
             // TODO: clean this up, soo much special-case copying...
+            hashes_per_tick: parent.hashes_per_tick,
             ticks_per_slot: parent.ticks_per_slot,
             slots_per_segment: parent.slots_per_segment,
             slots_per_year: parent.slots_per_year,
@@ -662,6 +666,7 @@ impl Bank {
             .unwrap()
             .genesis_hash(&genesis_block.hash(), &self.fee_calculator);
 
+        self.hashes_per_tick = genesis_block.poh_config.hashes_per_tick;
         self.ticks_per_slot = genesis_block.ticks_per_slot;
         self.slots_per_segment = genesis_block.slots_per_segment;
         self.max_tick_height = (self.slot + 1) * self.ticks_per_slot;
@@ -1421,6 +1426,11 @@ impl Bank {
         )
     }
 
+    /// Return the number of hashes per tick
+    pub fn hashes_per_tick(&self) -> &Option<u64> {
+        &self.hashes_per_tick
+    }
+
     /// Return the number of ticks per slot
     pub fn ticks_per_slot(&self) -> u64 {
         self.ticks_per_slot
@@ -1564,6 +1574,7 @@ impl Bank {
         assert_eq!(self.slot, dbank.slot);
         assert_eq!(self.collector_id, dbank.collector_id);
         assert_eq!(self.epoch_schedule, dbank.epoch_schedule);
+        assert_eq!(self.hashes_per_tick, dbank.hashes_per_tick);
         assert_eq!(self.ticks_per_slot, dbank.ticks_per_slot);
         assert_eq!(self.parent_hash, dbank.parent_hash);
         assert_eq!(