Oaks are magnificent shade trees. They have distinctive leaf and growth forms. The fruits are acorns, which are highly attractive to wildlife. Several selections do well in our soils and climate. They are a little more expensive to buy, but rarely are they disappointing. The following kinds are all large shade trees with a mature height of 50 to 70 feet.
What oak tree is suited for a wide range of locations?
The bur oak crown is rounded with an open form. This is a very rugged tree. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and air pollutants. The leaves are very dark green and glossy. It has very unusual branching characteristics with ridged twigs. The branching is excellent for winter interest. The fall foliage is yellowish brown. The growth rate is slow to moderate.
What oak tree is suited for clay soil?
English oaks have a broad shape with a rounded top. They are tolerant of heavy clay soils. The branches grow out almost horizontally casting a dense shade. English oaks have a moderate grow rate once established. The fall foliage is yellowish-brown.
What is a fast growing oak tree?
Northern red oak is a faster growing oak with broad spreading branches and a round crown. It may have some problems with iron chlorosis, which causes yellow foliage. This happens frequently when they are planted in very alkaline soils. A soil with a pH of less than 7.5 is recommended. The fall foliage is spectacular with leaves turning dark red, then ruddy brown and orange.
What is a very rugged oak tree?
Swamp white oak is a rugged, hardy tree with a broad oval crown. Their growth rate issimilar to English oak. They tolerate clay soils. The foliage is dark green with a silvery underside, and fall foliage is a reddish-bronze.
Which oak tree is not suited for Colorado landscapes?
Pin oak is not recommended for most sites in Colorado because it is very susceptible to iron chlorosis.
Which oak tree is native to Colorado?
Gambel oak is native to Colorado and is adapted to most soil conditions in our state. Unlike the ones previously mentioned, its typical form is a multi-stemmed shrub but can become tree-like with additional water.
Do oak trees generate a lot of bugs?
Oaks are generally pest free. Galls, or round protrusions on leaves or stems, are unsightly but do not harm the trees. No control measures are recommended.
For more information, see the following Colorado State University Extension fact sheet(s).
- Insect and Mite Galls
- Xeriscaping: Trees and Shrubs
- Choosing a Soil Amendment
- Small Deciduous Trees
- Large Deciduous Trees
For more information, see the following Planttalk Colorado™ video(s).
