A method and system for updating nodes in a hierarchical data structure is described. The system receives an update to a first node representing a record in a hierarchical data structure. The system determines at least one other node that needs updating based on the update to the first node. The system compares the number of nodes that need updating based upon the update to the first node to a maximum number to determine whether the number of nodes that need updating is less than, equal to and greater than the maximum number. The system performs a synchronous update of the nodes that need updating in response to a determination that the number of nodes is less than or equal to the maximum number and an asynchronous update of the nodes that need updating in response to a determination that the number of nodes is greater than the maximum number.