Skinny Genes® Columnar Oak Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

45 Feet

Mature Spread

10 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

A sleek, space-saving oak with a strong vertical habit, Skinny Genes® brings classic shade-tree presence to tight sites. Its narrow, upright form lines drives and paths with elegance, creates living privacy without crowding, and adds a stately focal point to small gardens. Deep green foliage holds clean through summer, then shifts to vivid red tones in fall for a high-impact, small-footprint display.

Skinny Genes® Columnar Oak Tree Care

Plant in full sun for best color and dense, upright growth. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, it prefers well-drained ground with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Water deeply and regularly the first 1–2 seasons to establish a strong root system; once established, it has good drought tolerance and needs only occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.

Mulch 2–3 inches over the root zone (keep mulch a few inches off the trunk) to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula if growth is modest. Prune in late winter only as needed—maintain a single, strong central leader and remove dead or crossing branches; avoid heading cuts that spoil the columnar form.

Generally low-maintenance and cold-hardy with good pest and disease resistance.

Skinny Genes® Columnar Oak Tree Spacing

Expect a mature size of roughly 40–50 ft tall by 6–10 ft wide. For an allee or driveway line, space 8–12 ft on center for a rhythmic, continuous look.

For a narrow privacy screen, plant 6–8 ft apart. As a specimen near buildings or patios, allow at least 6–8 ft of clearance from walls and hardscape to showcase the form and simplify maintenance.

Why Grow Skinny Genes® Columnar Oak Tree?

• Tall, narrow silhouette delivers shade and privacy in tight spaces

• Bold red fall color on clean, deep-green summer foliage

• Excellent for driveways, property lines, courtyards, and urban lots

• Adaptable to many soils; drought tolerant once established

• Minimal pruning—easy to maintain a strong central column

• Durable, cold-hardy oak performance with long landscape value

A stately, small-footprint oak that goes where others can’t—Skinny Genes® adds vertical drama, year-round structure, and brilliant fall color without sacrificing precious space.