Northern Red Oak — Quercus rubra

Overview: Stately, long-lived shade tree with a broad, rounded crown. Glossy, lobed leaves turn red to russet in fall. Fast to establish, strong-limbed, and highly valuable for wildlife.

Size & habit: 50–75′ tall × 40–60′ wide at maturity; straight trunk, broad-oval canopy.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast (about 12–24″ per year on good sites).

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.

Light: Full sun (needs 6+ hours/day).

Soil & water: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loams or sands; tolerates heavier soils if drained. Good drought tolerance once established. Avoid chronically wet or compacted sites.

Leaves, bark & acorns:

• Leaves: 7–11 pointed lobes with bristle tips; dark green, red/russet fall color (variable by site).

• Bark: Gray-brown with vertical “ski-track” ridges on older trunks.

• Acorns: ¾–1″, shallow, saucer-like cup; mature in two seasons; important wildlife food.

Tolerance / concerns:

• Tolerant: Wind, heat, and urban conditions (if soil drains).

• Sensitive: High-pH soils may cause chlorosis; limited road-salt tolerance.

• Pests/diseases: Generally tough; watch for oak wilt (avoid wounding in the growing season), two-lined chestnut borer on stressed trees, anthracnose in wet springs, and defoliators.

Pruning: Train early for strong branch spacing. Best time is mid-winter dormancy; make clean cuts and avoid flush cuts. Do not prune during active growing season to reduce oak wilt risk.

Transplanting: Moves best when young (container or small B&B). Provide deep watering the first 2–3 seasons.

Landscape uses: Large shade tree for lawns, parks, streetscapes with adequate soil volume, habitat plantings, and mast for wildlife.

Spacing / clearance: Plant 35–50 ft from buildings; allow 8–10 ft minimum from pavements/driveways; maintain overhead clearance from utilities.