This excerpt has been pulled from a book called “Better homes & gardens Trees & Shrubs” by “John Wiley & Sons, Inc” The “Oak Tree” is the most loved trees in the world as it is a symbol of Strength, Morale, Resistance & Knowledge. You can opt for any services on it from our “Tree Removal Berkeley CA“.
Oak (Quercus Species)
Mighty and majestic, oaks add grace and elegance to a yard. This North American native is found from Maine to Florida with dozens of regionalized species. Long-lived Plants with exceptionally strong structure, oaks have a moderate growth rate. Nearly pest-free, oaks are challenging to transplant, but once established they develop a pyramidal or broad, open form that is rarely surpassed in beauty by other trees.
You Should Know
Oaks typically hold their leaves well into fall and even through winter in some cases. The leaves will likely display typical fall color for the species and then turn brown and flutter on the branches until they are blown away by strong winds.
Best site
Most oaks grow best in full sun and moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Where possible, allow the fallen leaves of deciduous species to collect below the canopy and decompose into the soil to add valuable nutrients. This below , depending on species.
Growing
Oaks grow 30 to 80 feet tall and wide. Many plants have broad, open branching and develop contorted limbs with age. Other oaks, such as pin oak, have a strong pyramidal shape and a pronounced central leader. Be sure to plant an oak where it will have ample space to expand.
Some oak have long taproots that make them difficult to transplant. Ease transplant shock by moving these species during winter. Water plants regularly during the first growing season. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the soil under the canopy to aid in soil moisture retention.
Oak wilt is a destructive fungus that causes some oaks to wilt (and possibly die) within two to six weeks of infection. The fungus is spread by insects and enters trees through stem and trunk wounds as well as through root grafts of oaks planted close together. Limit the spread of oak wilt by pruning only when the tree is dormant, in January and February, and by spacing oaks widely. Sudden Oak Death in another destructive pest. Contact your area extension office if it is prevalent in your area.
Oak species and varieties:
Bur Oak (Q. macro carpa) is an adaptable oak that is more likely to thrive in tough urban conditions than other oaks. It is difficult to transplant. Move it in winter or early spring and water well after planting. 70 to 80 feet tall and wide.
Chinese Evergreen Oak (Q. myrsinifolia) is a small oak for residential landscapes. Its evergreen leaves are lustrous green in summer. Transplant before buds break in spring. It is adaptable to tough soil conditions. 20 to 30 feet tall and wide.
English Oak (Q. Robur) is a large tree with an impressive, open canopy. Its branching structure is particularly striking in winter. A slow-growing tree, English oak is best suited for large landscapes where it has plenty of space to expand. 40 to 60 feet tall and wide. Heritage is a vigorous selection with leathery with leathery dark green foliage. ‘Fastigiata’ is a narrow selection that grows about 50 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Regal Prince is another vigorous cultivar with a strong upright silhouette. It has good hardiness.
Live Oak (Q.Virginiana) is the magnificent oak that graces plantations and old landscapes in the South. This spreading evergreen has horizontal branches and broad canopy. 40 to 80 feet tall and 60 to 100 feet wide. High rise is an upright pyramidal form that is good for narrow spaces. 25 feet wide.
Red Oak (Q. rubra) is a fast-growing oak with shiny dark green foliage that turns russet ted to bright fed in fall. Red oak is easy to transplant and performs best in sandy loam soil. Use it as a shade tree or street-side tree. It develops a lovely silhouette, especially in winter. 70 to 80 feet tall.
Chinkapin Oak (Q. muehlenbergii) is an adaptable oak. It is well-suited to residential landscapes and grows 40 to 60 feet tall and wide.
Pin Oak (Q. Palustris) is one of the fastest growing oaks, as well as well as one of the easiest to transplant. Pin oak thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soil. It is sensitive to PH: plant it in acidic soil to avoid leaf yellowing. It has a pyramidal
Shingle Oak (Q. imbricaria) is an easy-care oak with a pyramidal habit and red-orange fall color. 40 to 60 feet tall and wide.
Swamp White Oak (Q. bi color) is an excellent large tree for moist or swampy soil. It has medium yellow fall color and a broad, open outline. 50 to 60 feet tall and wide.
White Oak (Q. Alba) is a majestic and handsome oak with a broad, spreading canopy. Its fall color ranges from brown to wine red. It is difficult to transplant. Move it carefully and water well after transplanting. 50 to 80 feet tall and wide.
Willow Oak (Q. Phellos) is a favorite oak. It has a pyramidal to rounded habit and a medium growth rate, unlike many of the slow-growing oaks. Fall color varies from yellow to yellow-brown to bronze-red. 40 to 60 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.
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