TREE FACTS
CANDLER LIVE OAK

Matt Nielson
Owner and President, Green Groves, LLC

Candler Live Oak
Quercus virginiana

​

Live oak is ubiquitous to the coastal south and despite its almost omnipresent status, it holds significant value to those that live in its presence. Why? Perhaps because it can achieve such old age and immense size that causes us to marvel at a living thing that outlives us humans.

With the oldest and largest coast-dwelling denizens clocking in at 500+ years old and trunks over 6 feet in diameter, this is a tree that will outlive you and your grandchildren. Many coastal live oaks have endured countless hurricane force winds over their lifetimes; with proper pruning they are one of the most steadfast trees in extreme weather events along with another unique tree of great strength, the bald cypress.

Live oaks were employed on the naval battlefield, providing significant lumber to ship builders such that the US Government used live oak almost exclusively for battleships and secured large tracts for management and harvest. Steam power replaced wind power and these live oak reserves were often turned over for parks.

If you are in the coastal south - Virginia to Florida and west to central Texas - with enough space for the canopy to spread, consider a live oak. If you aren’t, consider a visit to the coastal south and visit a few live oaks of notable size and interest to enhance your beach vacation and leave you feeling awestruck.