We sell bare root plants - click here to see what you'll receive

Burr Oak: Quercus Macrocarpa

Burr Oak, with its massive girth and long North American history, is a fantastic choice for any garden. It is one of the oldest trees and an eminence symbol. This deciduous wonder, botanically known as Quercus macrocarpa, lives in every kind of habitat, from a field to a town. It's a slow-developer, but its finished glory is well worth the wait, bringing you decades (perhaps centuries) of color and shade. 

Conditions of Development and Required Maintenance for the Burr Oak Tree

This tree likes sun and well-drained soil, accepting most soil types, from clay to sandy loam. It's also renowned for being remarkably drought-tolerant once planted, so it is a robust option in zones with uneven rainfall. Bur oak plants need daily watering to ensure profound root growth, but the trees are low-maintenance once fully grown. 

Pruning should be sparse to shape the tree and precise off damaged branches. It is best to prune in the dead time to save energy. It prefers space since its broad branches require distance. You aren't even likely to need to fertilize it, but you can add compost or natural mulch at the tree's base to maintain the health of the soil and help it grow. 

The Burr Oak Tree's Effect on Your Garden Ecosystem 

Beyond its imposing appearance, the oak tree has many ecologically advantageous elements for your garden. Its large, triangular leaves provide a thicket of shade, which is crucial in the summer, as it cools the soil around it and helps it evaporate moisture. The tree grows, and, along with it, other animals, including birds and insects, visit the tree. 

Burr Oak Seedlings thick limbs and leaves also feed the soil in their regenerative process, as leaves rot and turn to nutritious soil. This tree planted in your garden will make all the difference in biodiversity and create a micro-ecosystem with plants and animals. It also has an established root system, so it helps prevent soil erosion when there's a lot of rain or wind.