Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Red Oaks are an excellent choice for hunters, homesteaders, restorationists and agroforestry folks.Their acorns provide a reliable source of food for wildlife and humans, while their canopy creates a microclimate for understory plants. Their adaptability to urban conditions and compact soils ensures they kick ass in challenging environments, stabilizing soil and reducing erosion.

Red Oaks grow quickly in their early years, developing a tall, straight trunk and a rounded crown. Their leaves, with characteristic pointed lobes, turn a brilliant red in fall, adding ornamental value. Over time, they form a dense canopy, offering shade and habitat for a variety of species. Acorns begin to appear after 20-30 years, with heavy production every 2-3 years. The tree’s ability to adapt to urban environments and poor soils makes it an adaptable and long-lived member of your landscape

Size at Maturity- Canopy Layer. Grows to 60-80 feet tall with a spread of 40-60 feet

Current Size- Large 10"-18"+
Small under 10"

Red Oak’s dense, durable wood is highly prized for fine furniture, flooring, and construction, making it a favorite among woodworkers. The large, nutrient-rich acorns are a valuable food source for wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels, and can be processed into flour for human consumption. Native to North America, Red Oak has been widely planted in urban areas for its tolerance of pollution and ability to thrive in compact soils. In permaculture and agroforestry systems, it provides shade, stabilizes soil, and supports biodiversity with its extensive root system and acorn masting cycles