Bur Oak Tree

Enjoy the rounded form and fall color of the Bur Oak Tree or Quercus macrocarpa. The foliage is a traditional Oak leaf shape and is wider at the end with deep lobes. Leaves measure 4 to 10 inches long. Dark green leaves transition to a golden brown by fall. Inconspicuous spring flowers hang from the terminal ends of branches and give way to 2-inch wide acorns with fringed caps by fall. The acorns attract birds and small animals. Only mature trees produce acorns, and it can take two years for the acorns to grow. This is a deciduous tree with grayish-brown furrowed bark. Bur Oak Trees stand 70 to 80 feet tall and wide.

Use the Bur Oak Tree as a specimen in a yard, line a street, or create shade over a home or entertaining area. The rounded canopy has a stately appearance that anchors a landscape. This tree is native to the Midwestern U.S. and requires minimal care once acclimated. This tree is drought tolerant but can also handle flooding for added adaptability.

Bur Oak Tree Care

Choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight. Bur Oak Trees can live in dry or moist soil but require excellent drainage. Alkaline soils are preferred. Give young trees consistent water to promote drought tolerance at maturity.

Prune the tree as needed when dormant in late winter or early spring. Remove dead or damaged branches, but avoid significant pruning when the tree is actively growing and more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Bur Oak Tree Spacing

Bur Oak Trees can grow wide, so space trees 90 feet away from buildings and roads. Avoid overhead obstructions like utility lines. Space Bur Oak Trees 40 to 50 feet away from other trees when purposefully creating a dense planting. These trees grow slowly, and the space may seem like a lot at planting time, but the branches will have room to spread as the tree matures.