Deciduous Tree
Oaks
Quercus macrocarpa
The oak’s massive mature size rules it out for most urban and suburban yards, but bur oak makes a great choice for parks, institutional grounds, and expansive properties. A coarsely textured crown, wild and wooly acorns, and a massive trunk with rough, deeply furrowed bark combine to make an impressive specimen. It’s a low-maintenance tree once established, tolerating drought, clay soil, dry soil, pollution, and heat stress.
Growing conditions
- Hardiness zone: 3-8
- Mature height: 70-80 feet
- Mature spread: 80 feet
- Growth rate: 1 foot per year
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained, wet, and clay
- Water: Dry to medium
- Maintenance: Low
- Tolerates: Drought, clay soil, dry soil, pollution, heat stress