Live Oak

Introduction

A large, sprawling, picturesque tree, one of the broadest spreading of the Oaks, providing large areas of deep, inviting shade. It is the state tree of Georgia. Reaching 40 to 60 feet height with a 60 to 100 foot spread usually possessing many sinuously curved trunks and branches, an impressive sight for any large-scale landscape. An amazingly durable American native, it can measure its lifetime in centuries. Makes an excellent street tree in the South. Unfortunately, Oak wilt has been known to devastate the tree in parts of Central Texas.

Use and Management

Once established, Live Oak will thrive in almost any location and has a very good wind resistance. Live Oak is a tough, enduring tree that will respond with vigorous growth with plentiful moisture on well-drained soil. Like other Oaks, care must be taken to develop a strong branch structure early in the life of the tree.

Best growth is made in moist, acid soil, sand, loam or clay, but the tree is amazingly adapted to drought. It also tolerates alkaline soil well. Young trees grow three feet each year and the trunk adds about one-inch in diameter under nursery conditions. Live Oaks have a reputation for being a tough tree. It is usually the last tree to die around a newly constructed building.

Planting

• Typically planted in 30, 45, 65, or 95 gal containers.
• B&B (Ball & Burlap) trees are specified in caliper inches (2” cal, etc)
• Container trees can double the price of B&B trees
• Plant container trees in late summer
• Plant B&B trees if they were dug and cured in the winter months