How to Pick the Right Oak Tree

There are more than 600 different species of oak trees world wide. Not all of them are readily available in the United States, but there are about 11 that are popular and widely grown. When picking the right oak tree, the first thing to do is to take into consideration the major differences- the growing area, the size of the tree and any problems it may have. Once you have narrowed your choice down by these three criteria, then compare the finalists based on esthetics.

White oak(Quercus alba) is hardy in zones 3 to 8, grows from 60 to 100 feet tall and 50 to 90 feet wide. Do not plant near paved areas.

Scarlet oak ( Quercus coccinea) is hardy in zones 4 to 9, grows to a height of 50 to 70 feet and a width of 40 to 50 feet. Scarlet oak does not have any serious problems, but it still needs plenty of room.

Southern red oak (Quercus falcata) is hardy in zones 6 to 8, grows to a height of 50 to 90 feet. The acorns begin to germinate almost as soon as they touch the ground. Pick them up fast or there will be a new crop of trees.

Turkey oak (Quercus laevis) is hardy in zones 7 to 9, reaches a height of 30 to 40 feet and a width of 20 to 35. Turkey oak is drought tolerant.

Laurel oak ( Quercus laurifolia) is hardy in zones 7 to 9, grows to a height of 40 to 60 feet, about the same in width and is resistant to most diseases and insects.

Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) is hardy in zones 5 to 9, grows to a height of 35 to 45 feet and a width of 35 to 40 feet and can take a wide range of soils.

Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) is hardy in zones 5 to 9, grows to a height of 60 to 80 feet and can take a wet soil, but not a prolonged period of flooding.

Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is hardy in zones 5 to 9, grows from 60 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide and is tolerant of air pollution.

Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus) is hardy in zones 4 to 8, grows from 60 to 70 feet tall and can take dry, but not wet, soils.

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is hardy in zones 5 to 8, grows up to 60 feet tall and 80 feet wide and is one of the fastest growing and most vigorous of all the oaks.

Post Oak (Quercus stellata) is hardy in zones 5 to 9, grows to a height of 40 to 50 feet tall and the leaves stay on the tree into the winter.

Source
Clemson University