The white oak provides a habitat and food for countless species of wildlife.
The white oak is the best tree to plant toattract butterfliesand it supports hundreds of species of caterpillars.
If you want tosupport pollinatorsandattract birds, planting white oaks will ensure that will happen.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They are large trees that grow to 50 to 75 feet tall with rounded canopies.
It has a large trunk, often 3 to 5 feet around.
The tree’s bark is a light, scaley gray that flakes off in small pieces if picked.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
In the fall, the leaves turn reddish brown and linger on the branches late into winter.
A noticeable difference will occur in trees planted in full sun.
Soil
White oak prefersacidic to neutral soilthat is deep, moist, and well-draining.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It does not toleratealkaline or shallow soils.
Water
Freshly planted white oaks should be watered regularly for the first season until established.
Infrequent deep soaking is the goal rather than quick daily watering.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
(Imagine a rainy day compared to a passing storm.)
The white oak’s optimum range has an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The tree thrives inUSDA Zones 3-9.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The white oak is more tolerant of higher temperatures than other Northern species.
While other natives will likely be adversely affected by warming regional climates, the white oak will persist.
They are not for every landscape, but in the right location can be perfect.
They are relatively easy to care for when young and provide beautiful fall colors.
These are years with especially high acorn yields.
Cut branches that make a deep V shape or extend inward with the right tool.
You aim to create an upright tree with a tall, raised canopy.
The white oak has positives and negatives, depending on your situation.
