Compton Oak Tree

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

60 - 80 Feet

Mature Spread

70 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

Compton Oak is a natural hybrid of Southern Live oak and Overcup oak and can thrive just about anywhere in North America. Quercus x comptoniae has a tall and upright growth habit that provides shade in urban areas or smaller suburban backyards. The combination of fast growth, larger acorn size, and the ability to retain its leaves through the winter make this tree highly desirable for the home landscape. 

Oak trees are considered keystone plants to support a wide variety of local and native wildlife. Compton Oak’s acorns are an important food source for birds and small and large mammals. Many local animals also use the dense foliage as shelter and nesting sites. The Compton Oak is tolerant of poor soils and short periods of seasonal flooding. Protection from deer and rabbits may be needed in locations with high animal populations. After the trees reach 6 feet tall, the protections can be removed. 

Compton Oak Care

A full sun location with good soil drainage is ideal for planting Compton Oak. Amend heavy clay soil with organic compost before planting to improve drainage. Plant trees so the root flare is slightly above the soil level. Select a site at least 20 feet away from overhead utility lines, garages, or other structures to allow for the mature spread of the tree. For continuous shade, plant Compton Oak at the southeast corner of a house or property. As the sun moves throughout the day, the tree will continuously cast shade. 

Consistent watering is important for the first few years until the tree is fully established in the landscape. Initially, water the tree every 2-3 days until new growth begins. After that, water about once a week to help the tree develop strong and deep roots during the first few growing seasons. Mulch with a thick layer of organic material such as compost or arborist chips in a ring around the tree. Mulch should never cover the root flare or touch the trunk. 

The timing of pruning is very important for oak trees. Pruning during the summer months increases the tree’s susceptibility to oak wilt, which is a deadly disease carried by beetles. The best time to prune is early spring or late fall. Only prune crossing branches or broken stems while the trees are still young. Compton Oak develops a more compact canopy than either of its parents and rarely requires heavy pruning once mature. 

Oak trees develop fruits commonly called acorns. Some years the trees produce more acorns than others because the trees are wind pollinated. Windy years allow the pollen to be spread more evenly across the trees, resulting in more fruit production.

Compton Oak Spacing

Always plant with the tree's mature height and spread in mind. The mature height for Compton Oak is 60-80 feet with a canopy spread of 20-40 feet. Place the tree at least 20 feet from building structures or overhead utility lines to prevent the need for heavy pruning in the future. Shallow-rooted perennials or annual plants are ideal to grow under Compton Oaks.

SKU:

123PLA0116-npn