Pin Oak Trees Details
About the Pin Oak Tree (Quercus palustris)
The pin oak tree is a regal native shade tree that is fast-growing and changes color from dark green to deep scarlet or bronze in the fall. It is native to the central and eastern United States and is a true bottomland tree that prefers to grow in low, wet ground.
When young, the canopy forms a pyramidal shape that opens out into a more rounded shape at maturity. Use this tree to create a shade or woodland garden. Underneath, you can grow plenty of shade perennials and shrubs, including ferns.
Its leaves are a glossy green, and its short, pin-like twigs earned this tree its name. In spring, small yellow-green flowers bloom just after the leaves come out.
Plant Details – Pin Oak Tree (Quercus palustris)
Family: Fagaceae
Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Light Requirement: Full sun, at least 6 hours daily
Water Needs: Moist; tolerates wet, poorly drained soil
Soil: Acidic (avoid alkaline soil)
Height: 50–70 ft. in landscapes (70–90 ft. in the wild)
Spread: 25–40 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Fall Color: Deep scarlet to bronze
Wildlife Value: Acorns feed wood ducks, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, and songbirds
Landscape Uses and Maintenance
The pin oak tree is a popular shade tree for parks and yards due to its symmetrical shape and vibrant fall color. It thrives in moist, acidic soil and does well in clay and loam. Alkaline soil, however, can cause iron chlorosis and general decline. Fertilizers are not beneficial to this tree.
The lower branches of the pin oak tend to droop, so you’ll want to prune them every so often, especially near walkways or driveways.
Acorns drop throughout the fall, starting in September. The small, round acorns have unique stripes in alternating dark and light brown. Squirrels, wild turkeys, deer, and wood ducks all depend on them as a food source.
Although it’s a deciduous tree, don’t be surprised to see the pin oak hold its brown leaves into the winter. They will typically drop in spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Pin Oak Tree
Pin oak trees can handle more soil moisture than many other oaks, so a low, moist spot in your yard may be the best place for one. But don’t forget to give it plenty of space, since the pin oak can grow up to 70 feet tall and spread up to 40 feet.
Look out for spongy moth caterpillars on young trees. They can strip the leaves, but older trees can handle it. Oak wilt is the one to worry about, as it has no reliable cure.
Pin Oak Tree for Sale: Size, Planting, and Spacing
If you’re picking out a pin oak tree for sale to use as a shade tree, give it room to grow. Plant it at least 30 feet from your house and other buildings, and space trees about 40 feet apart if you’re planting a row along a drive or property line.
Our pin oak trees come as a Buy 1 Get 1 Free or in packs of 5 or 25, in 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 foot sizes. For a yard tree, the 3–4 foot size gives you shade sooner.
This plant ships bare root. Plant while it is dormant, clear the planting area of weeds and grass, set the tree so the root flare sits level with the ground, and water generously. Spread a ring of mulch around the base, keeping it off the trunk, and water deeply once a week during dry spells that first summer. Protect from deer in the first few years with mesh sleeves or tree tubes. The pin oak spends the first year developing its roots, so expect minimal top growth.
For more detailed planting and care information, read our Pin Oak guide. You can also explore our wildlife-friendly plants collection to find more plants that support birds, pollinators, and other garden wildlife.
