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Monterrey Oak

Monterrey Oak

Size

Product: Monterrey Oak Mexican White Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus polymorpha

Type: Tree

Full Grown Size: Around 40 to 80 feet and a width of 40 to 60.

Lifespan: About 100 years.

Soil condition: Neutral to alkaline soil pH, and can adapt to many soil types including sandy loam and well-drained clay soils

Light Requirements: Full sun

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 6 through 9.

Peppered along the vast Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, Monterrey oaks are prevalent all throughout Mexico and even into Guatemala. These lovely oaks can even be seen along the southern border of Texas where the northern Mexican winds have brought them over time. As Monterey Oaks are common throughout Mexico, it should go without saying that these trees are extremely drought tolerant. You could say they almost prefer it, so much so these trees should not be watered once they are established, except during the longest of dry spells. As an added bonus, they are adaptable to many differing soil types from sand to well drained clay soils.

 In the cool spring season, the leaves of a Monterrey Oak are a beautiful peach color, sometimes even appearing outright red. These leaves have smooth rounded edges and a luscious leathery texture. When the winters are less severe, as they usually are in places like Mexico and Texas, Monterrey oaks will retain their leaves nearly all year long. However the further north you find these trees, you will notice their leaves dropping come December. 

 You can tell the age of Monterrey Oak with one quick glance at its trunk, as these trees will have light gray bark in their early years, and dark gray to almost black bark with deep fissures (similar to Live Oaks) in their later years. 

 Differing from Live Oaks, Monterey Oaks tend to grow in a more upwards fashion rather than outwards. As these trees mature however, they begin to form larger canopies. This type of oak grows to be around 40 feet tall, which is about the same as 2-3 story building! The Monterrey Oak would make an impression in even the largest landscape.

One of the best growing oak trees for Austin Texas area.   High resistance to oak wilt and a good replacement for the live oak and red oak trees.    The Monterrey oak is a fast growing tree with beautiful spring and fall colors.

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