We need more oak trees! Oak trees are a keystone species, meaning they are the backbone of many forest communities and ecosystems depend on them for survival. Sadly, oak populations have been declining for some time now. Whether it be from disease, urban development, drought, or invasive pests, oak trees are need our help. This month’s Habitat at Home article runs hand-in-hand with our upcoming Gardening for Life Celebration! As the event’s keynote speaker, Doug Tallamy will be discussing his newest book, The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees. Throughout the book, Doug observes oak trees from his own backyard over the course of a year. He also includes his methods of growing oaks and his preferences for acorns or bareroot whips instead of potted trees. Consider this a step-by-step guide to planting your very own oak!
Oak trees are majestic trees that can live for hundreds of years. With their massive trunks and spreading branches they make an impressive addition to any landscape. Their large size does mean you need to plan adequate spacing if you want to plant oak trees. Proper oak tree spacing will allow your trees to grow to their full potential and thrive for generations.
Why Oak Tree Spacing Matters
An oak tree planted from a little acorn can grow quite large in a relatively short time. Within 10 years, your small sapling could easily reach 15 feet tall. After a few decades, mature heights of 60 feet or more are common.
To accommodate an oak tree’s rapid growth, you must allow enough space between trees. If oaks are crowded too close together, their branches and roots will compete for resources. This leads to stunted growth for both trees. Also, dense shade from overlapping canopies prevents undergrowth below the trees.
For optimal growth, oak trees should be spaced so their canopies are not touching at maturity. This gives each tree sufficient access to sunlight and soil nutrients to reach its full size potential.
Average Mature Size of Oaks
When determining oak tree spacing, consider the typical mature height and width for the particular species you are planting. Most oak trees grow 50 to 80 feet tall at maturity. Their spread is often as wide or wider than their height.
Here are the typical mature sizes for some common oak species:
- White Oak – 60 to 100 feet tall and wide
- Red Oak – 60 to 90 feet tall, 40 to 80 feet wide
- Pin Oak – 60 to 70 feet tall, 25 to 40 feet wide
- Bur Oak – 70 to 80 feet tall and wide
- Swamp Oak – 40 to 60 feet tall, 40 to 60 feet wide
- Live Oak – 60 to 80 feet tall, 60 to 120 feet wide
Growing conditions like soil, moisture, and climate affect final size. The ultimate height and width will vary.
Recommended Oak Tree Spacing
Most experts recommend spacing oak trees at least 50 feet apart. Even better is 60 to 80 feet between trees to maximize growth.
Specific oak tree spacing guidelines include:
- Within Row Spacing – At least 50 feet between trees in a row
- Between Row Spacing – Minimum 60 feet between rows
- From Structures – 60+ feet from buildings, driveways, etc.
- From Other Trees – 50+ feet from existing large trees
When planning your landscape, map out oak tree locations and measure distances between them to ensure adequate spacing.
You can place oaks slightly closer at around 40 feet apart when planting a wooded area or privacy screen. But their canopies will touch at maturity.
Factors That Affect Tree Spacing
The general oak tree spacing guidelines may need adjusting based on several factors:
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Oak species – Some have a narrow upright habit allowing closer spacing. Other oaks have wide, spreading canopies needing more room.
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Soil & conditions – Trees in prime conditions and soil grow larger than those in average or poor environments.
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Pruning – Pruning outer branches can contain spread for closer spacing.
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Irrigation – Supplemental water typically increases tree size compared to rainfall alone.
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Sun exposure – More sun equals larger trees. Partial shade reduces size.
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Climate – Warmer climates with long growing seasons produce bigger trees than cooler climates.
Evaluate these factors for your situation to determine if you should tweak the typical oak tree spacing distances.
Allow Extra Space for Future Growth
It’s tempting to plant small saplings closer together to save space. But remember, those cute little trees grow rapidly. Even after 10 years, crowded trees start competing.
The best practice is allowing enough space at planting time for the oaks’ mature size. The area may look empty at first, but in a few years, you’ll appreciate the ample room for your trees to thrive.
With proper oak tree spacing, your landscape will have healthy, majestic trees for generations. Plan ahead and give your oaks the space they need to grow to their full potential.
Oak Tree Spacing Guidelines
- Space oak trees at least 50 feet apart
- Allow 60-80 feet between trees for maximum growth
- Keep oaks 60+ feet from buildings and structures
- Plant 50+ feet from existing large trees
- Adjust spacing based on species, soil, climate, etc.
- Resist planting saplings too close together
- Plan ahead for future mature size
Proper oak tree spacing provides room to grow for generations of beauty and shade. Follow these guidelines when planning your landscape or tree plantation. With ample space, your oak trees will flourish and add majestic grandeur to your property for hundreds of years.
What Kind of Oaks Grow Best in Western NC?
In The Nature of Oaks, Doug Tallamy lists the best oaks for your area, and categorizes them by regions of the country and their relative sizes. Here are the trees he states would grow best in western North Carolina:
- Northern White Oak
- Southern Red Oak
- Shingle Oak*
- Laurel Oak
- Chestnut Oak
- Water Oak
- Cherry-Bark Oak
- Pin Oak*
- Willow Oak
- Northern Red Oak
- Shumard’s Oak
- Post Oak
- Black Oak
- Bluff Oak*
- Swamp White Oak*
- Scarlet Oak
- Georgia Oak*
- Overcup Oak
- Blackjack Oak
- Swamp Chestnut Oak
- Chinkapin Oak*
- Bear Oak*
- Bluejack Oak
- Sand Post Oak
- Dwarf Chinkapin Oak*
Why Not Just Buy a Tree?
Doug Tallamy advocates for planting acorns or bareroot whips to grow your oaks instead of transplanting established trees. Acorns are free, plentiful, and grow to be healthier trees. Bareroot whips are dormant trees just a few feet tall. They are much cheaper and easier to transport than potted trees and can be stored a few days before planting. While planting either does not provide the instant gratification that a tree from a garden center might, they instead grant you an opportunity to watch something grow and change throughout the seasons as Doug did.
How to plant an Oak tree by Heathwood Nurseries
FAQ
How close together can oak trees be planted?
Planting Layout
On open rangeland, it is recommended that trees be established in small clumps or clusters, with the goal of about 40 planting spots per acre. This comes out to an average of one cluster every 30-40 feet.
How big will an oak tree get in 10 years?
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Edge Of The Woods Native Plant Nursery, LLChttps://edgeofthewoodsnursery.comNine Reasons to Plant an OakSep 7, 2023 — Grows 12′-15′ over a 10 to 12 year period, reaching 80 feet or so. Fall color is brown to rich red.
Where not to plant oak trees?
From my own experience and from what I have read in my 60 year old gardening book and online, Oak trees should NOT be planted close to the house. The Oak tree needs to have room for its far reaching branches (which means roots as well) to spread and grow without hitting the house or causing foundation issues.
How close do oak trees need to be to pollinate?
If planted too far apart, inefficient pollination can occur. If planted too close, they will not receive adequate sunlight for growth and mast production. For instance, chestnuts and oaks are planted 35-40′ apart and fruit trees such as apples, pears, and persimmons are planted 15-20′ apart.