Oaks Are A Keystone Species

A keystone is the last piece of the arch that, when placed, holds the whole thing together.  Keystone species are species that hold their ecosystem together.  Without them, the other plants and animals can’t survive. 

What Makes Oaks Key? 

Oaks (Quercus) dominate the North American forests.  Out of 435 species of oak, sixty percent live in North America alone.  Over the last 45 million years, oaks have developed to live in every climate niche in the United States and Mexico. 

How Do Oaks Support Other Species? 

Oaks provide food, places to live, medicine, and shade.  Oak woodlands provide many different kinds of habitat. 

Food 

Oak trees produce around 140 pounds of acorns a year.  People used these acorns as a major food source, eating 700-1000 pounds of acorns a year.  Indigenous people in North America actively managed oak forests for maximum acorn production.  Individual trees were passed down through families. 

Shelter 

Oak trees support more life than any other tree.  Just one tree can host 532 species of caterpillars.  In addition, it can shelter 147 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 280 species of insects.  They host colonies of plants that need other plants to grow on, including mosses, ferns, lichens, and bromeliads.  The leaves feed moth and butterfly larvae.   

Shade 

You might not think shade is that important until you work outside without any on a hot day.  Oaks provide shade for livestock in a pasture, for workers to sit in during lunch, and for animals who need to cool off.  In a yard, a big oak can shade your house during the hot months and lower your electricity bill significantly. 

Dollar Value of Oaks 

Homes with oak trees in their yard or nearby sell for 7-30 percent more than homes without oak trees.  In addition, oak woodlands help mitigate the effects of fire, floods, erosion, and air pollution.  They provide oxygen and sequester carbon.  Areas in town with lots of oaks and other trees are cooler in the summer than areas without trees.   

Oak Decline A Threat 

Oakes, and especially oaks in woodlands, are declining.  Some of this is due to habitat fragmentation.  Individual oaks are protected in many towns against being cut, but as subdivisions and other construction goes in, oak woodlands are lost.  Some oaks species, especially white oaks, grow slowly.  They may only produce a decent crop of acorns once every five years.   

Oaks are also being crowded out of woodlands because of the lack of fire.  Fires clear brush, burn saplings and seedlings, and keep other species of trees in their proper place in the forest.  Properly done, prescribed fires do this for oak forests.  Without these things happening, oaks get crowded out and decline. 

What You Can Do To Help 

We can help control oak decline by reducing the stressors on oak trees.  Here are some ideas. 

Removing invasive vines from trees 

Invasive vines such as kudzu will eventually strangle the tree they are growing on.  Both the weight of the vine and vines blocking sunlight, water, and nutrients from reaching the tree are deadly.   Remove any vines growing on your oak trees to keep this from happening. 

Avoiding damage to tree limbs, trunk, and roots 

Damage to the tree is cumulative.  Hitting the roots with a mower, cutting the tree with a string trimmer, and damaging the bark all add up.  Make sure that you consider the roots of the tree when digging or placing buildings such as sheds over them. 

Monitoring trees for insect pests and fungal and bacterial infections 

While some insect activity is desirable, insect pests can cause problems.  Monitor your oaks for those pests and for diseases.  Frequently, pests and diseases attack oaks that are already having problems. 

Pruning damaged/diseased limbs 

Pruning damaged and diseased limbs needs to be done as soon as possible.  However, oak wilt can enter the tree at cuts made by pruning or other injuries.  If oak wilt is a problem in your area, we recommend not pruning your tree from February to July, when the vectors of oak wilt are the most active. 

Mulching around the base of trees to protect roots 

A layer of three inches of hardwood mulch in a donut shape around the trunk protects roots from damage caused by mowers, string trimmers, and other impacts.  Start the layer about a foot from the trunk and cover the area as far out as the dripline, but especially the area where the roots are shallow and easily damaged.  Mulch retards the growth of weeds and keeps the soil moisture and soil temperature from wildly swinging. 

Watering trees during dry spells 

Oak trees use water to carry water and nutrients from the roots to the crown.  They also use water to cool themselves.  During a dry spell, water deeply once every two weeks or so to make sure the oaks have enough water for their needs.  Dry, hot oaks are likely to suffer and can even die.  In the winter, water deeply once a month or so. 

Limiting pesticide use 

Using a lot of pesticides is not good for anything.  However, using a lot of lawn pesticides, especially post emergent broad weed killers, can make your tree sick.  Trees are broad leaf plants, so weed killers, especially in weed and feed products, can cause problems. 

Consulting with local forestry experts and ISA Certified Arborists for advice and assistance on tree-related issues 

If your tree needs pruning for safety reasons or due to disease, consult with your area’s urban forester or an ISA Certified Arborist.  Do not use “tree trimmers” or the guys that knock on your door offering to trim your tree.  ISA Certified Arborists have lots of education and practical experience, so they can help your tree stay healthy.  They also know how to treat many tree diseases with the least harm to the environment. 

Picking An Oak Tree To Plant 

Oak trees are roughly divided into two categories, white oaks and red oaks.  Red oaks have bristle-tipped lobes on their leaves and acorns that take two years to mature.  White oaks have rounded lobes on their leaves or large regular teeth and acorns that mature in one year.  There are many species in each category and each species grows best in specific areas of the country.  We can help you find the oak species that works best in your area.  Here are some examples of each type of oak tree. 

White Oak 

White oak trees grow to 80-100 feet and provides shelter for many animals.  You can use them for shade in a hot climate. 

Chestnut oak 

Chestnut oaks grow to be 50-60 feet tall and have shiny, glossy leaves.  They turn red and yellow in the fall.  

Red Oak 

Red oak trees have leaves that are green in the spring and summer and turn brilliant red in the fall.  They make a nice specimen tree because of their tall straight growth pattern. 

Black Oak 

Black oak trees can grow to 50-80 feet with a broad crown.  They are often used in forest restoration. 

Pin oak 

Pin oaks are native to an area from New England to North Carolina and west to Kansas and Oklahoma.  They turn brilliant red in the fall.  Pin oaks grow faster than most oaks.  They tolerate damp conditions and like to grow next to streams, lakes, and rivers. 

Call Us 

TN Nursery prides itself on our ability to help people choose the right plant for their space.  Simply call 931.692.7325 and let us guide you to your next oak tree. 

White Oak Tree - TN Nursery

White Oak Tree

White Oak Tree - Quercus Alba The White Oak Tree is a majestic and long-lived deciduous type native to eastern North America. It is known for its iconic rounded crown, deeply lobed leaves, and valuable wood used in furniture and construction. White Oak Trees Provide Food And Shelter For Wildlife Growing it on your property can be an excellent way to branch out and tend to new types of plants. One such option that you consider is this. They are a distinctly recognizable species many hold in high regard. Let's examine why this plant is so revered and why you might wish to make space for it in your yard. White Oak Tree Is a Major Source of Food for Nearby Critters This acorn is said to be the most palatable in their species, making them especially appealing to local wildlife looking for a snack. Its low-hanging branches offer food for wildlife like deer, while those higher up, like birds, often spend time in its branches to catch insects. These magnificent plants support a whole ecosystem, attracting various critters that will benefit other areas of your property. They Offer Shelter for Local Wildlife Beyond just food, these towering spectacles offer shelter in the form of cavities that form in it, often housing smaller rodents or flying creatures. If you're a fan of either, you're sure to enjoy seeing families of animals call your great and mighty addition their new home. Some areas of your property might need something much more significant to fill the space, and these are an excellent and welcome addition. Over time, they can grow to 80 or even 100 feet tall, towering over your property. Who knows? You may even want to plant multiple ones throughout your property and create a pathway of these awe-inspiring monoliths. They Tend To Benefit Their Surroundings White Oak Trees have many uses, including reducing soil erosion with robust root systems and providing shade for other plants that need it. Unlike other types, this species is said to be more resistant to rot, meaning it may encounter fewer issues regardless of whether you're transplanting it or growing it from a sapling.

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Chestnut Oak Tree - TN Nursery

Chestnut Oak Tree

Chestnut Oak Tree - Quercus Prinus The Chestnut Oak is a large deciduous tree species known for its deeply lobed, toothed leaves and acorn-bearing acorns, commonly found in eastern North America's forests. Majestic and resilient species that offer numerous landscaping benefits. Its distinct characteristics and contributions make it popular in various outdoor settings, such as parks, gardens, and residential landscapes. The tree is a beautiful addition to any lawn with its towering trunk, long branches, and vibrant green leaves. At maturity, it stands 50—to 60 feet tall and belongs to the beech family. As its namesake implies, it produces nuts during early fall. Chestnut Oaks Promote Wildlife and Harvesting Potential Whether on a home property or commercial lawn, the stately appearance makes them a welcome addition. Because of their durability and strength, they are excellent at supporting a thriving local ecosystem. Many wildlife, including chipmunks, squirrels, and native birds, make their homes among the branches. Support Wildlife With Chestnut Oaks They are native to the eastern United States and play a vital role in ecosystems from southern Maine to central Mississippi and Michigan in the north. Once mature, its beautiful green leaves offer ample shade, and it is easy to trim branches back to create a manicured landscape that still provides environmental benefits. They can reach up to 125 feet tall in the wild and put on a dazzling display of warm colors during autumn. Their naturally glossy green leaves will shift into vibrant yellow and reddish brown hues during the fall, making them the perfect choice for someone who dreams of an autumn paradise in their yard. Mighty oaks are hearty saplings that will thrive for decades with proper care. With an average lifespan of 400 years, these are some of the longest-living members of their plant family. Imagine planting one today and growing it throughout your life, watching the branches grow more robust and the trunk taller yearly.  One sapling can be planted in a loved one's honor and grow to become a beloved heirloom that generations of your family care for. Because Chestnut Oak Trees live for so long, they are excellent investments for homeowners and commercial properties. Transform your landscape with a single sapling and watch magnificent wildlife and beauty unfold as it grows.

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Red Oak Tree - TN Nursery

Red Oak Tree

Red Oak Tree: Quercus Rubra The Red Oak Tree has a tall and robust trunk, spreading branches, and vibrant foliage that add a sense of grandeur to any landscape. It is a magnificent choice for landscaping due to its numerous benefits that enhance outdoor spaces' visual appeal and ecological value. Its stately presence and adaptability make it a sought-after option for various landscaping projects. It is a tall species you will notice on your property or the surrounding landscape. This tree offers several benefits for most landscapes, including stabilizing soil and attracting birds and other species. What Does a Red Oak Tree Look Like This plant can grow up to 75 feet tall and about 60 feet around. As with similar plants, it will have a canopy of green leaves throughout the spring and summer months that will turn various hues, such as orange or yellow, in the fall. The leaves will come off in the fall, and you may also notice acorns landing on the ground in the fall as well. Red Oak Tree Attracts Wildlife The acorns serve as sustenance for squirrels and other animals that need a store of calories over the winter. In return, the animals scatter the acorns throughout your property or a given area so that these trees can grow unimpeded by the competition. It Proliferates and Has Strong Roots One of the primary benefits of having this plant on your property is that you won't have to wait years for it to reach maturity. Instead, it can grow several feet yearly and start creating acorns in less than a decade. As the plant grows, its root system will grow deeper into the ground, which can help to lap up excess moisture or anchor the ground where it is. This can minimize the risk of a landslide or other forms of erosion from eating away a vulnerable landscape. The root system typically grows about 20 feet, assuming it has the space to do so. It is Resistant To Pest Damage Another positive attribute of Red Oak Tree is that it generally does an excellent job resisting pest damage. This means you can expect it to reach its entire lifespan of about 300 years. Its long life also means that several generations will be able to benefit from your work, and it also means that it can produce thousands of acorns during its life. Despite its light coloration, it is an excellent source of timber for furniture making, cabinetwork, flooring, and construction owing to its strength and workability. It is a fast-growing plant that gives good fall color, which makes it suitable for use in landscaping and as shade trees. What are the benefits of the leaf? It in particular, contains a large amount of tannins, which act as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. Previously, its leaves were employed for a healing effect with fever, wounds, and skin diseases; however, the scientific evidence for this action remains limited. What is the difference between the leaves? It is acutely lobed at the tips, while black is rounded with deeper notches in between. It also has angular faceted margins of the leaf compared to black, which has smoother margins. How Long Does It Take To Grow One This species has an estimated life expectancy of 300 years, and for the first five years of the tree's life, it grows very fast and matures slowly throughout the rest of its life. Due to their extended lifespan and big size, they provide long-term additions to any landscape.

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Black Oak Seedlings - TN Nursery

Black Oak Seedlings

Black Oak Seedlings: Quercus Velutina Black oak seedlings can be an ideal way to establish or revitalize a natural landscape on your property. As the seedlings grow into trees, they will develop a strong root system and become natural seed producers. Black Oak Seedlings Growth and Production Cycle  Black oak seedlings typically develop a root system within several months of being put into the ground. It typically takes about 20 years for the tree to reach the point where it starts to create its own seeds. After about 40 years, the tree will be in its prime. Black Oak Seedlings Prevent Erosion or Soil Degradation  A strong root system can help stabilize the landscape because there will be something keeping the soil in place when it gets oversaturated. Strong roots can also anchor land on a hilly or sloped surface, which can help reduce the risk of a mudslide or similar event. They Are Strong and Sturdy The bark and wood of them tend to be relatively hardy, which means that they can withstand certain types of natural hazards. For instance, a mature tree can often withstand minimal fire damage because its basal bark is so thick. A mature tree may also be impervious to minor insect or fungal infections. Benefits of Planting Them There are a number of other potential benefits to planting one including the ability to attract wildlife to your property. Squirrels, birds, and other animals will flock to the tree to find shelter and perhaps food, depending on whether your tree is producing seeds or not. A Good Growing Investment In general they can also do a good job of increasing outdoor air quality, which can be good for your family as well as others who live in your general area. Finally, they can withstand moderate drought conditions, which can help to protect the investment that you've made into themselves.

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Pin Oak Tree - TN Nursery

Pin Oak Tree

Pin Oak Tree: Quercus Palustris Pin oak tree is a large deciduous type with distinctive deeply lobed leaves and tiny acorns. It is known for its pyramidal shape and tolerance of wet soil conditions, making it a popular choice in landscaping. Quercus palustris is an especially common type for landscaping purposes in its native area. This is partially because it grows relatively fast, at a rate of approximately 2 feet a year. It generally reaches a final height of 60-80 feet, sometimes exceeding 100 feet, while its spread tends to be around 25-40 feet. Its usual lifespan is 120 years. Locations The Pin Oak Tree Likes Their native area is a swath of land from New England to North Carolina in the east and westward to Kansas and Oklahoma. They are also found in extensive numbers in Indiana and Ohio. Of course, they are also found in other parts of the world, the United Kingdom and Australia being notable examples. They tend to be located in damp areas, particularly near lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as in wet, low-lying places. The "palustris" part of its alternate name accurately describes this tendency as it means "of swamps." However, they do not grow at high elevations, roughly anywhere from 1,100 feet in elevation and above, or on sloped surfaces. Distinctive Canopy Of The Pin Oak Tree One way this type of greenery stands out from similar ones is its canopy. That is because the branches towards its lower portion tend to point downwards; the ones in the middle are usually pointing nearly directly to the sides, and branches at the top are usually pointing upwards. The Leaves Of This Beautiful Native The leaves have five or seven points on their lobes. They are usually 2-6 inches long and 2-4 inches broad. Because it is deciduous, its leaves are shed every fall and regrown every spring. That said, some younger ones of this type, such as those with a height of 20 feet or less, keep leaves through the winter. The Pin Oak Tree is easy to transport because they have shallow, fibrous roots with no accompanying taproots. This root system also allows it to adapt to flooded conditions.

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