Red Oak, New Jersey State Tree

After looking for the ideal tree for our front lawn for a while, we found it close to home last week, in Cedar Grove Garden Center.

It is a 20 feet tall Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), a good street tree. The Red Oak is New Jersey State Tree and a native of North America.

One of its many special features is that it is easier than most trees to transplant, fast growing and it can tolerate the conditions of cities and towns -such as pollution and compacted soil- amazingly well.

The price was very reasonable, they do free delivery or plant it for a fee -about 30% of the tree price- which includes one year warranty. Two days after buying it the tree nursery owner came with 5 people to deliver and plant it. They did an excellent job and informed us that needs to be watered only once a week.

Often simply called "Red Oak", northern red oak is formally so named to distinguish it from southern red oak (Q. falcata or Spanish oak). Under optimal conditions, northern red oak may live up to 500 years. Grows to 60' to 75', 45' spread (zones 3-8) and as much as two feet a year for 10 years. It is easy to recognize by its bark with ridges that appear to have shiny stripes down the center and all the way down the trunk.

Arboy Day Foundation has plenty of information about it:

Attributes:
The Red Oak is an American treasure, and one easy to own...In parks, along streets and in home landscapes, the tree provides cool shade from its dense crown, brilliant fall colors and a high degree of safety thanks to the superior strength of its wood.

Wildlife Value:
Red oak acorns are at the top of the food preference list for blue jays, wild turkeys, squirrels, small rodents, whitetail deer, raccoons, and black bears. Deer also browse the buds and twigs in wintertime.

History/Lore/Use:
The Red Oak has been a favorite of both lumbermen and landscapers since colonial times. The tree has also found favor when transplanted in Europe. It is believed that Bishop Compton's garden, near Fulham in England, received the first Red Oak transplant abroad in the late 17th century. In 1924, there were over 450 acres of Red Oak plantations in Baden, Germany.

Moisture:
Normal moisture with some drought tolerance.

Leaves:
The leaves alternate, simple, 4 to 8 inches long with pointed, spine-tipped lobes. Dark green color turning russet-red to bright red in autumn.

Flower Color:
Pale, yellow-green catkins appear at about the same time new foliage is expanding.

Bloom Time:
April-May.

Fruit Description:
The Acorn is round, 3/4 to 1 inch long, flat, thick, saucer like cap, brown.