TREE FACTS
BUR OAK

Tyler Hill
ISA Certified Arborist UT-4431A

Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa

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I get asked a lot, “What’s your favorite tree?” As an arborist, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one tree but I can say the oak tree is among my favorites.

With its remarkable adaptability to a wide variety of sites (including some very harsh ones), the bur oak is very good for planting throughout many USDA zones. The species is native throughout the eastern and midwestern United States. Because the thick bark of a mature bur oak insulates the cambium from high temperatures, it has adapted to survive fires. Even after 12-15 years old, this tree can survive repeated burnings.

When planting the bur oak, please consider these facts. This tree can live up to 300 years old and is a slow grower with annual growth height reaching 12” and a diameter is around 1/10-1/4”. The tree has a deep, wide-spreading root system that is able to take advantage of low soil moisture, which makes this a drought-tolerant tree. It can handle a wide variety of soils from acidic to fairly alkaline, but does not like flooded or very saturated soils. The bur oak is a great city tree because it tolerates the urban pollution and harsh conditions that may persist within a city environment. Since the bur oak lives so long, it has been used for witness trees, and one of the reasons I have recommended its use as a memorial tree.

Make sure when planting your bur oak that you find the right spot. Plant it at its right height so the trunk flare is above the ground surface and remove all materials (burlap, twine, pots, etc.) so they do not inhibit root growth. If we want this and all other trees to last a long time, set them up for success from the start with correct planting. If you need help planting your bur oak, reach out to your local certified arborist for assistance. And please remember to take care of the trees because they take care of us.