Skip to product information
1 of 6

Red Oak

Red Oak

Size

Product: Red Oak, Shumard

Scientific Name: Quercus shumardii

Type: Tree

Full Grown Size: Height of 60 to 70 feet and a spread of 40 to 60 feet.

Lifespan: About 200 years

Soil condition: Acidic soils with pH range of 4 to 7. Best growth is obtained on moist, well-drained loamy soils. It is however known for its tolerance to clay soil.

Light Requirements: Full sun or part shade.

Water requirements: Quart of water each morning for the first two weeks and 1 to 2 gallons of water every other day for the next two months. Cut back to once per week for the remainder of the growing season. Skip a day or two if the soil is muddy.

USDA Zones: Hardiness zones 3 through 8.

The majestic Red Oak is among the most beautiful of species in the oak family. It's brilliant red color is most prominent during the fall months.

The majestic Red Oak is among the most beautiful of species in the oak family. It’s brilliant red color is most prominent during the fall months, but carries red hues and undertones mixed with green through the spring and summer months. Even though this tree is deciduous, the leaves on a Red Oak may remain on the tree year round in some climates, otherwise they may shed leaves during the late winter or early spring months as they prepare for new growth

In many cases Red Oaks grow to about 92 feet, and on rare occasions even up to 140 feet. These oaks grow in tall and upwards fashion, rather than a sprawling and outwards direction. The growth pattern of this tree is what attributes its characteristic look. The branches grow at 90 degree angles from the mother stems, and the growth rate is typically rapid. As an example, a 10 year old Red Oak tree may reach heights up to 16 to 20 feet!

Red oaks are tolerant of many soils and adaptable to differing soil situations. Ideally, this tree prefers glacial drift and well drained borders of streams to grow on. While this tree is most common in the north-east regions of the United States.


When well cared for, or grounded in ideal areas, Red Oaks may live up to 400 years.This is a tree that can be passed down through generations, and may stand as a living legacy of anyone who plants one. Aside from its red leaves, the Red Oak is easy to identify by the markings on its bark. Red Oaks are the only tree with stripping all the way down its trunk.

View full details