If you want large shade trees, very few can compare to the Red Oak. These trees grow faster than most oak trees and have an open canopy.

 

Mature Red Oak trees commonly grow 70' to 80' tall in urban areas and it's not uncommon for rural Red Oak Trees to grow even taller!

 

The trees have glossy green leaves in the summer, followed by brilliant red fall foliage. Large acorns appear in late summer, providing food to squirrels and other wildlife. The bark of young trees is smooth and silver in color. 

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If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, large, long-lived tree, the Red Oak is certainly one worth consideration.  Red Oaks tolerate most soil types, so long as the soil is well-draining.

 

Before installing a Red Oak, you should consider its care. Things like regular irrigation while the tree is establishing its root system are important to plan for. Water your Red Oaks and prune them annually to remove dead or diseased limbs (especially any branches that grow vertically or rub against each other) during the first season as the roots become established. Cut branches at the collar, which is the small bump between the trunk and the branch.

 

Caring for Red Oaks properly means pruning them each year for the first three years. Never prune in early spring or the first month of summer to avoid attracting the insects that spread oak wilt disease.

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For more information about the Red Oak Tree, contact us today!

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