Oaks are large, long-lived trees in the genus Quercus, and are related to beeches and chestnuts. These iconic trees have played an important role in British culture and landscape for many centuries. Traditionally used for its timber, oak was highly valued as a durable material for building ships, houses and furniture.
The UK has two native species of oak: the English (Quercus robur) and the sessile oak (Quercus petraea). Both are deciduous trees. English oak is common across the British Isles, often growing as the dominant tree in the woods of the lowlands, or as a lone tree creating a majestic spreading outline. Sessile oak tends to favour more acidic soils and dominates upland woods in the west of the country. Although oaks are widespread, they currently face significant threats, such as oak processionary moth, which was accidentally introduced to the UK in 2005, and serious conditions like acute oak decline.
As well as their importance in our history, English and sessile oaks are special for the rich web of biodiversity they support. Around 2,300 species are associated with native oaks and more than 300 of these rely solely on the oak for their survival. From nuthatches and wood warblers, to barbastelle bats and rare lichens, oak trees provide crucial habitats for wildlife across the UK.
Oak tree leaves and acorns are useful in the identification of English oak and related species:
Both English and sessile oak produce slender male catkins and inconspicuous female flowers in spring. The foliage turns yellowy brown in autumn. Sometimes identification of oaks can be complicated where both species grow near each other and hybridise.
In winter, buds and bark are useful features to help distinguish oaks from other trees. Both English oak and sessile oak have several plump, orange-brown buds clustered at the end of twigs. The bark is dark grey-brown with vertical fissures.
Several other oak species are planted in the UK as ornamental trees, including holm oak, red oak and Turkey oak. Holm oak (Quercus ilex), also known as evergreen oak, is a native of the Mediterranean region. It has dark-green leaves with a pale underside and a rounded, domed habit. It is suitable for hedging, clipping and growing as a specimen tree. Red oak (Quercus rubra), a North American species, grows into a large tree and has fiery autumn colour.
Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) was first planted in the UK in the 18th century as an ornamental tree. Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, it has the classic leaf shape with deep lobes, but they often taper to short points. It is easier to identify from the acorns, which are held in whiskery cups. Turkey oak is a fast-growing tree able to set seed here, so it has become naturalised across the UK.
English oak trees (Quercus robur) are a majestic and beloved tree species. Their stately appearance, hardwood timber, and wildlife value make them a top choice for landscapes and tree collectors. If you’re looking to buy an English oak, you’ll be happy to know there are several reputable nurseries that sell them. In this article, we’ll discuss the merits of English oaks and where to find them for sale.
Why Choose English Oaks?
English oaks, also called pedunculate oaks are native to Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. They’re widespread across England where they hold major cultural significance. English oaks have been a popular landscape tree in North America for over 300 years.
Here are some of the benefits that make English oaks so prized:
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Majestic appearance English oaks are massive shade trees that can reach 70-100 feet tall and equally as wide Their gnarled branches and furrowed bark make them extremely ornamental.
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Wildlife value: Acorns from English oaks provide food for birds, small mammals, and deer. The trees attract insects that are eaten by birds. Their cavities provide nesting sites.
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Tolerant of tough conditions: English oaks tolerate pollution, salt spray, and occasionally wet or compacted soils. They can thrive in challenging urban sites.
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Hardwood lumber: English oak timber is strong, durable, and water-resistant. It’s used for furniture, flooring, boats, barrels, and construction.
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Long lifespan: English oaks are slow growing but remarkably long-lived, potentially reaching 600-1000 years old. Their longevity allows generations to enjoy them.
With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why landscape designers, cities, and homeowners seek out English oaks to plant.
Where to Buy English Oak Trees
If you want to plant an English oak, buying from a reputable nursery is key. Here are some highly recommended sources to purchase English oaks in a variety of sizes:
Mail Order Nurseries
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Cold Stream Farm – This Michigan-based nursery offers bare root English oaks from 1-6 feet tall for $2-23 per tree. Larger sizes are available. Cold Stream Farm has excellent customer service and affordable shipping.
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Arbor Day Foundation – As a nonprofit conservation group, the Arbor Day Foundation sells low-cost oak trees to raise funds. A 1-2 foot English oak is just $15 for members.
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Fast Growing Trees – This nursery provides 2-4 foot English oaks for $59-99 each. Fast Growing Trees has a quality guarantee and helpful planting guides.
Local Nurseries or Garden Centers
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Independent local nurseries are excellent places to purchase mature English oaks that have been grown specifically for your climate. Expect to pay $100-300 for a 6-10 foot tree.
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Some big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry containerized English oaks during spring and fall planting seasons. Availability varies by location.
Online Marketplaces
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Check sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for listings of English oaks for sale in your area. Homeowners sometimes sell trees from their landscapes.
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eBay has English oak saplings listed for sale by various nurseries. Just beware of very cheap trees, as quality may suffer.
Wholesale Nurseries
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For large orders, purchasing wholesale directly from a grower can offer savings. Wholesalers like Robinson Nursery in California sell English oaks in volume.
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You may need a tax ID or business license to open a wholesale account. Minimum orders often apply.
Things to Look For When Buying
To ensure you get a healthy English oak specimen, inspect trees before purchasing:
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Seek out species identification tags or info to confirm it’s a true English oak.
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Look for a balanced shape with no major dieback or wounds on branches.
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Check for disease signs like powdery mildew, leaf spots, or galls.
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Avoid pot-bound container trees with circling roots.
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Opt for the largest tree you can afford and transport. Bigger is better for transplant success.
How to Plant and Care for English Oaks
Once you’ve sourced an English oak, it’s time to get it in the ground. Here are some tips for planting and ongoing care:
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Pick an appropriate site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Leave plenty of space for the tree’s massive spread.
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Dig a wide planting hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. Score circling roots before setting the tree.
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Backfill with native soil and pack firmly to eliminate air pockets. Build a berm to hold water.
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Water thoroughly at planting and weekly for 1-2 years after to establish roots.
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Mulch around the tree to conserve moisture and reduce competition from grass and weeds.
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Stake the tree initially if needed to prevent wind tipping of top-heavy trees. Remove in 6-12 months.
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Prune only as needed to remove dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning that stresses the tree.
With its imposing grandeur and regal presence, it’s easy to see why gardeners covet the English oak. Now that you know where to find English oaks for sale from reputable sellers, you can start planning your perfect specimen tree. The English oak you choose today may shade family gatherings and create wildlife habitat for centuries to come.
How long do oak trees live?
Oaks are some of the longest-lived trees in the UK, with a potential lifespan of over 1,000 years. They reach maturity at around 40 years old, by which time many will be producing acorns. When trees reach 150-300 years old, they are usually classed as veteran trees. From 400 years old they are known as ancient oaks. Even when an oak tree dies, the dead wood continues to provide habitats for wildlife including beetles, birds and many species of fungi.
The location of the UK’s oldest oak tree is a much-debated subject. There are several notable contenders whose longevity is truly astonishing. The Marton Oak in Cheshire is thought to be over 1,000 years old and has a girth of over 14m. The wonderfully-named Big Belly Oak in Wiltshire is an ancient oak with a girth of more than 11m, with origins that are said to reach back to the time of William the Conqueror.
Another tree believed to be over 1,000 years old is the Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, under which Robin Hood and his Merry Men supposedly took shelter, might only be a mere 800-1,000 years old, but it is one of the UK’s largest oak trees.
The oak is a national symbol of strength. There are many tales linking oak trees to the monarchy, from the Royal Oak in Boscobel Wood in which the future King Charles II was said to have hidden from the Roundheads in 1651, to Queen Elizabeth’s Oak in Greenwich Park. According to legend, this ancient oak grew near the site where Queen Elizabeth I picnicked. Although the tree died over a century ago, it can still be seen lying on its side in the park.
Where to plant oak trees
Oak trees can be planted in UK gardens, but unless you have a very large space for a specimen tree that can reach 25m x 25m or more in size, oaks are best grown as a hedge. They do best in a spot in full sun or partial shade, and can be grown in most moist but well-drained soils. Avoid permanently waterlogged areas, especially for sessile oak. It is worth noting that oak is harmful to pets if eaten.
Oak Trees For Sale
FAQ
How fast do English Oak trees grow?
During this period, the oak can grow approximately 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) each year when conditions are optimal. This growth rate is influenced by factors such as soil quality, moisture availability, and sunlight exposure.
Are English Oak trees messy?
Quercus robur
Dark-green, lobed leaves turn brown in the fall and may stay on the tree through the winter. Best used in drier climates due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew. Produces acorns which can become messy.
What is the difference between oak and English Oak?
Sessile oak (Quercus petraea). Its leaves have stalks and its acorns don’t have stalks (whereas it’s the opposite in English oak which has tiny or no leaf stalks and acorns on longer stalks).
How large of an oak tree can I buy?
Southern Pride Tree Farm sells mature live oak trees ranging from from 2.5″ caliper to 14″ caliper (caliper is diameter of the trunk) or from 10′ tall to 35′ tall. The big Live oak trees we sell are all field grown (FG) trees meeting the highest standards for the strongest most healthy trees for our customers.