Bold, Fast-Growing Red Oak Trees for Brilliant Fall Color & Strong Shade
Graceful with its sweeping crown, smooth young bark and fiery fall foliage, the Red Oak Tree (Quercus rubra) is a force in the American landscape. One of the most rapidly growing native oaks, Red Oak develops quickly into a signature feature on homesteads, parks, and large residential landscapes. TN Nursery has been growing native hardwoods like the Red Oak for over 65 years. Field-grown trees from our nursery have contributed to the landscaping of historic and elite sites since 1959, including Arlington National Cemetery, and The Washington Monument. In addition, our horticultural knowledge has been featured on programs throughout the Discovery and History networks. It is this legacy that is the foundation of our expertise, and we can promise that every Red Oak shipped from our nursery is hardy, genuine and ready to thrive for years to come.
Why Red Oak Offers Outstanding Landscape Performance
Red Oak is notable for its combination of fast growth, hardiness, and seasonal interest. Expansive canopy of deciduous leaves provide abundant shade in only a few short years. This is one of the best hardwoods for immediate impact on your landscape. New leaves emerge in a muted red tone, mature in rich green, then explode into fiery red in autumn. Red Oak also provides a presence in the winter landscape, with its smooth, gray bark and powerful branches. Trees from TN Nursery are selected for strong branching structure and healthy root development, for quick establishment and long-term success.
The Ecological Value of Growing Red Oak Trees
Ecologically, the Red Oak is a significant native species supporting hundreds of other organisms. Acorns are a major source of food for deer, turkey, many songbirds, and squirrels, while the canopy provides cover for countless forest dwellers. Red Oak's deep taproot also helps stabilize soil and improve ecosystem resiliency over time. Long-lived and durable, this tree is suitable for urban, suburban, and rural areas and is tolerant of many soil types including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. As this tree matures it becomes a legacy tree and outlives many generations providing beauty, shelter, and environmental enrichment.
Questions About Red Oak Trees
How fast do Red Oak Trees grow?
Red Oaks grow faster than many hardwoods-often adding 2 feet or more per year when young.
How tall does a mature Red Oak get?
Most reach 60-80 feet tall with wide-spreading crowns perfect for shade.
Are Red Oaks good shade trees?
Yes-Red Oaks develop broad canopies that provide excellent, cooling shade.
Do Red Oaks produce acorns every year?
They produce acorns annually, with larger "mast years" occurring every 2-5 years.
Are Red Oak Trees easy to grow?
Yes-Red Oaks are hardy, adaptable, and thrive in full sun with moderate watering during establishment.
TN Nursery has over 60 years of combined experience in the horticulture field, and our Red Oak Trees have brilliant fall color, fast growth rate, and long-lasting environmental benefits, making them an ideal tree for homeowners looking for a show-stopping, dependable native hardwood.