TREE FACTS
WHITE OAK

Tyler Hill
ISA Certified Arborist UT-4431A

White Oak
Quercus alba

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Known for its big and beautiful size, the white oak is no stranger to towering heights of 100 ft. and stocky trunks of 50 to 90 ft. Both its large size and branches feel as though it were daring a child to climb all the way to the top.

The white oak is named after the color of the hardwood it produces but if you can overlook the uninspiring name, this oak embodies a symbol of great strength, history, and longevity throughout eastern North America.

A fun fact about this tree is that it bears both male and female flowers, making it monoecious. If the male flower doesn’t fertilize the female flower directly, it must rely on wind pollination from another tree to make a new oak.

Because this tree can grow to epic proportions, planting a white oak must be carefully planned. Its USDA hardiness zones are 3-9, where it can bask in plentiful sunshine and rest in rich loam soil. Newly planted white oaks should be watered regularly for the first few seasons until thick roots have established its new home. To adequately water this tree, a deep soak is needed rather than a quick drink to keep it healthy and plentiful.

The white oak is a perfect tree for generations of families to marvel at if you have the space to maintain it. Reach out to a certified arborist for assistance, and please remember to take care of the trees because they take care of us.