The smallest of the oak trees, the Japanese evergreen oak, only reaches a height of about 30 feet, while the tallest species, the white oak (not to be confused with the white oak grouping), reaches heights of over 100 feet. With so many varietals, oaks can vary significantly in height, width, growing pace, and life span. Red oak leaves, in comparison, do have bristles at their tips and edges, and their acorns mature biennially, or every two years. White oaks are characterized by having leaves that are “lacking bristles on the lobes or leaf apex,” according to the Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. Oak trees are generally divided into two main groups: white oak and red oak trees. Evergreens, on the other hand-as their name suggests-maintain green leaves year-round and thrive in full-sun locations. Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, usually in autumn, and grow well in partial sun and shade. Oak varieties also vary between deciduous and evergreen breeds. This means they contain both male and female flowers on the same tree. Since Oregon’s plant hardiness zone ranges from 4b to 9b, we will focus on the five best oak trees for your yard within our hardiness zone. Tree, we’re happy to help you quickly narrow down your search because only about 90 of these species occur in the United States, and like all plant life, some do better in different weather conditions. With approximately 600 different varieties of the species, it can seem like a large undertaking to choose the best oak trees for your yard.Īt Mr. Known for size and longevity-with symbolic references for wisdom, honor, and strength-the oak tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape. Hopefully, our boulevard will soon be filled with shade from these beautiful plants.Oak trees are some of the most beloved trees in the world. The city chose the swamp white oak ( Quercus bicolor), a resilient, long-lived oak that grows quickly. The most common tree, however, was an oak. The boulevard was re-planted this fall with a diversity of trees. Last spring, 31 ash trees where removed from the boulevard where I live because of emerald ash borer. If your soil pH is above 7.5, plant an alternative tree. Pin oaks grow well in just about any type of soil and are generally resistant to chlorosis, which affects other oaks. The bark of pin oaks is deeply ridged and adds another point of interest in the winter. This makes them more interesting in the winter landscape and on mornings when there is hoar frost, pin oak leaves will be covered with crystals. Unlike other deciduous trees, the northern pin oak (and some other oaks) will hold onto their leaves well into the fall or winter - often dropping them near bud break in the spring. The leaves of northern pin oak are a darkish green and the fall color is a deep red-russet, turning brown as the season advances. Most trees top out at 50 to 70 feet tall, with a lovely oval-shaped crown that provides plenty of shade as the tree matures. It’s a stately medium to large tree for yards with plenty of sun. The northern pin oak ( Quercus ellipsoidalis) is native throughout northern and southeastern Minnesota. Northern pin oaks hold onto their leaves through the winter. Oaks support more than 500 types of pollinators by providing shelter, food and habitat. Douglas Tallamy, the scientist who wrote the best-seller Bringing Nature Home, says that if you want to plant a tree for pollinators, birds and other wildlife, plant an oak, particularly a native oak.

Pin oak tree