Oak-tober: Outdoor Plant of the Month

For October, we are celebrating one of the most majestic trees of USDA Hardiness Zone 5 - the Oak! This "Oak-tober," we honor the Oaks’ beauty, longevity, and critical role in supporting wildlife.

Oak-tober Spotlight:
Celebrating the Mighty Oaks of Zone 5
 
Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak)
This Oak has fall colors of fiery reds, oranges, and rust tones. This is a fast-growing, strong, and long-lived tree. It is an excellent shade tree with a beautiful rounded crown. The Northern Red Oak supports over 500 species of moths and butterflies and it's acorns are a critical food source for many animals.

Quercus alba (White Oak)
Soft burgundy and wine tones are the gorgeous colors this tree will display in the fall. The White Oak will mature at 50-80 feet tall and 50-80 feet wide. This tree prefers well-drained acidic soil, tolerates slightly alkaline soil (pH 5.5-7.0) and needs full sun.  Why Plant White Oak? Known for its long lifespan (sometimes 300+ years!), this majestic oak has a stunning, spreading crown. Its light gray bark and beautiful fall foliage make it a striking landscape feature. White Oaks are incredibly valuable for wildlife, with acorns that are less bitter and more palatable than many other species.

Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak)
The Bur Oak has yellow-gold fall color.  At maturity it will be 70-80 feet tall and 50-75 feet wide. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, from dry, rocky soils to loamy or clay soils (pH 6.0-7.5). The Bur Oak prefers full sun. As the name suggests, Bur Oaks have some of the largest acorns of any oak species! They’re incredibly adaptable and hardy, tolerating both drought and urban pollution. Bur Oaks are a fantastic addition as they are a slow-growing but long-lived tree, making it a legacy plant for future generations. Its thick bark makes it fire-resistant, and it offers excellent habitat for birds and insects.

Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak)
The fall color on the Swamp White Oak are golden browns and muted yellows. This tree will be 50-70 feet tall and 50-60 feet wide at maturity.  These prefer moist, acidic soils but tolerates poor drainage and wet conditions (pH 5.0-7.0).  Swamp White Oaks need full sun to part shade exposure. 
These trees are perfect for low-lying or damp areas making it a great selection for flood-prone landscapes or areas near water bodies. Swamp White Oak have a beautiful, peeling bark and thrives in wet environments. It is also more tolerant of clay and compacted soils than other Oak species. 

Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)
As it's name indicates this tree has a breathtakingly vibrant and vivid scarlet red fall color. The mature height of the Scarlet Oak is 50-70 feet tall and 40-50 feet wide. This tree prefers dry to well-drained acidic soils (pH 4.5-6.5) and full sun. It’s a medium-sized oak with an open, airy canopy that creates a dramatic focal point in the landscape. Its deeply lobed leaves provide exceptional texture, and it’s relatively fast-growing compared to other oaks.

Planting Tips for Oak-tober Success
Watering is key! While young oaks need regular watering, especially in their first few years, once established, they’re highly drought-tolerant. Additionally, a layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool. Just be sure to keep mulch away from the tree trunk to avoid rot. Oaks generally don’t need much pruning but removing dead or diseased branches during dormancy can help maintain their shape and health.

Oak-tober Fun Fact:  

Did you know? Oaks can support more biodiversity than almost any other tree in North America! From caterpillars to birds, these trees provide habitat and food for hundreds of species. Planting an oak is like planting an entire ecosystem.

This Oak-tober, embrace the beauty, strength, and ecological value of these stunning trees! Whether you choose the bold Northern Red Oak or the resilient Bur Oak, your landscape will be filled with color, wildlife, and shade for generations.