Acorn-y questions: What kind of Oak is this? Is it time for Baby’s First Haircut? - Ask Extension
A handful of years ago, I beat the odds and successfully transplanted a six-inch Oak seedling that had sprouted in a whiskey barrel planter in my back...
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Acorn-y questions: What kind of Oak is this? Is it time for Baby’s First Haircut? #714102
Asked August 16, 2020, 7:26 PM EDT
A handful of years ago, I beat the odds and successfully transplanted a six-inch Oak seedling that had sprouted in a whiskey barrel planter in my backyard. Since then it has thrived, growing to a ramrod straight height of nearly 20 feet. It has also grown a prodigious crown of foliage, which I have left undisturbed while it established itself. Three different “arborists” have looked at it, and each had a different opinion as to what species of Oak it is. One said it is a Pin Oak, another said a Red Oak, and a third said a White Oak (which I very much doubt, considering where I live). I have forwarded photos of its leaves and bark, and would appreciate learning what species it is. SECONDLY - my yard is small. There are other large trees in the immediate vicinity. The branches and foliage on this tree have so thoroughly shaded my yard that grass will no longer grow beneath it. The lowest branches, which are nearly horizontal, require me to duck to get to the rear of my yard. Could I safely prune the lowest branches from the tree? Thanks and kind regards!
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
This is either a northern red oak (Quercus rubra) or a black oak (Quercus velutina). They are very hard to tell apart just from the leaf, however, it is easy to tell which one you have if you get any acorns. A northern red oak's acorn has tight scales and only encloses about 1/4 of the acorn nut , it is relatively flat. A black oak's acorn has looser scales and encloses about 1/2 of the acorn nut, and when removed looks more like a bowl than a plate.
Both of these trees belong in the red oak family, and are susceptible to oak wilt. Therefore no pruning should be done until the tree is dormant. Late winter or very early spring is the safest time for this.
This is either a northern red oak (Quercus rubra) or a black oak (Quercus velutina). They are very hard to tell apart just from the leaf, however, it is easy to tell which one you have if you get any acorns. A northern red oak's acorn has tight scales and only encloses about 1/4 of the acorn nut , it is relatively flat. A black oak's acorn has looser scales and encloses about 1/2 of the acorn nut, and when removed looks more like a bowl than a plate.
Both of these trees belong in the red oak family, and are susceptible to oak wilt. Therefore no pruning should be done until the tree is dormant. Late winter or very early spring is the safest time for this.
