It has deeply ridged gray bark with deep furrows that become more distinct with age.
Bur oaks have adeep taproot, and their expansive roots grow more deep than wide.
Soil
The tree can adapt to many different soils in terms of texture and structure.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It grows in sand, silt, and clay and can withstand compacted soils and poor drainage.
Occasional flooding of the planting site is not a problem.
The tree can be found as far north as Nova Scotia and down to Texas.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It is one of the most cold-tolerant oak species.
Ahigh-nitrogen fertilizerwill harm the tree.
Bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa)are a member of the white oak group of trees.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Cut off any branches that grow downward or those that are rubbing together.
Inspect the acorns for cracks and holes and choose only fully intact ones.
To grow seedlings, run with this.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
You want to avoid transplanting the seedling to a larger pot when it outgrows the original one.
Overwintering
These very cold-hardy trees can tolerate freezing temperatures in their usual growing zones.
These three fungal diseases can be treated with a fungicide.
Removing the tree before the fungus affects other plants nearby is the best treatment.
Various pests make their home in bur oaks, such as caterpillars, oakworms, and scale.
Introducing ladybugs into the landscape can help control the issue, as can removing caterpillars by hand.
Using an insecticide is a last-ditch effort but often works, especially for immature trees.
Lichen can develop at any point during its lifespan and is not a health indicator.
Lichens don’t cause a problem and can be left alone.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that often attaches to oak trees.
Large infestations might require the use of chemicals designed to attack mistletoe.
Bur oaks are long-lived; some specimens are estimated to be 300 years old.
Bur oaks have a history of medicinal use among Native Americans cultures.
In common with all oaks, the bur oak has acornswhose bur-like covers gave the tree its name.
