Sawtooth Oak Tree

Often Oak trees are slow to reach their mature size, making them a tree planted for future generations to enjoy. Sawtooth Oak is different and well worth considering for providing shade and beauty to your landscape. The narrow and heavily toothed foliage gives this oak a very different look. Quercus acutissima is native to regions of Japan, Korea, China, and the Himalayan mountains. Being introduced to the United States in the 1920s, this oak variety became naturalized in many areas east of the Mississippi River. 

Sawtooth Oaks reliably produce large harvests of acorns yearly, making them valuable trees for wildlife. Planting this species in the home landscape is a good way to keep the acorn sprouting under control with regular removal in late summer. The Sawtooth Oak grows the quickest during the first 10-15 years, providing significant shade with its natural pyramid shape. Annual maintenance is low once the tree is fully established. Pruning is rarely needed when trees reach their full size. 

Sawtooth Oak Care

Site your Sawtooth Oak tree well away from overhead utility lines and building foundations; a clearance of 20-30 feet is generally enough. Full sun and well-draining soil are ideal. This tree accepts a wide range of soil types as long as the pH is on the acidic side (5.0-6.5). 

Keep newly planted trees well watered during periods of drought; apply about one inch of water a week. Watering with drip irrigation lines or soaker hoses ensures a slow delivery that soaks into the soil and targets the root zone. Mulch with 2-3 inches of finely shredded arborist chips or compost to deliver nutrients to the soil while reducing evaporation. Pull the mulch a few inches away from the trunk and allow the tree flare to show.

If deer and rabbits are a problem in your area, install protective cages at the time of planting. The cages should be big enough to remain on the tree until the canopy reaches over 6 feet. Remove any cages that are becoming too small, so they do not become embedded in the trunk or branches. If necessary, stake the tree to keep the trunk straight and upright. Remove the staking system after the first year so that the tree can develop normally.  

Prune any crossing branches early on to give the tree an open shape and allow the leader to be dominant. Maintain a balance of branches around the tree, and only remove damaged or diseased branches once the tree is mature. Professional arborists or tree surgeons should be consulted for any pruning maintenance on a mature tree.

Sawtooth Oak Spacing

When siting this tree, consider that Sawtooth Oak can reach 40-60 feet tall and wide. Allow plenty of room when planting it near building foundations, walls, overhead utility lines, and property lines. Plant Sawtooth Oak 20-30 feet away from other large plants and buildings.

Sawtooth Oak Tree Information