Oak (Quercus velutina) is a very popular tree that is widely known for its good timber quality. People have used English oak furniture for years. The tree comes under the beech family Fagaceae. The oak tree is an evergreen tree, and the main regions for getting oak trees are Asia, Europe, North Africa, America, etc.
Nowadays, a lot of gardeners are showing interest in planting oak trees in their garden areas or free spaces. So, if you want to plant this tree, here are the details you must know.
See also: Kusum tree: Facts, features, growing tips, and uses of Ceylon oak
Oak tree: Key facts
| Botanical name | Quercus velutina |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Common name | English oak |
| Plant type | Hardwood forest tree |
| Native | Northern Hemisphere |
| Leaf type | Spirally arranged leaves, with lobate margins |
| Flower characteristics | Light green or yellow tassels |
| Varieties available | Quercus velutina, Quercus marilandica, Quercus macrocarpa, Quercus pagoda, Quercus montana, Quercus muehlenbergii, Quercus robu, Quercus ilex, Quercus lyrata, Quercus palustris, etc. |
| Height | Up to 45 metres |
| Season | Late summer |
| Bloom time | Between March and May |
| Sun exposure | 4 to 6 hours |
| Ideal temperature | 55 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Soil type | Acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils |
| Ideal location for placement | Garden area with direct sunlight |
| Maintenance | ● 5 to 8 hours of sunlight for healthier growth
● Water the tree every 10 days |
see also about: mesua ferrea
Source: Pinterest
Oak tree: Physical description
The oak tree is known as a timber tree because of its many uses in the furniture industry. There are nearly 450 varieties of oak trees. Oak, also known as Quercus, is a deciduous and evergreen tree. As there are a lot of varieties present under the same genus, sometimes it is quite confusing to differentiate all. So, scientists differentiate the tree into a few major groups: white oaks, red oaks, chestnut oaks, willow oaks, water oaks, and black oaks.
Oak trees are usually found in Mediterranean semi-desert areas. Also, in places like subtropical rainforests, the tree is visible with good growth. But, the varieties in these places are always different depending on the sunlight received, rainfall, air temperatures, etc.
The leaves of the oak tree are spirally arranged leaves, and some have lobate margins. Flowers are light green or yellow tassel-like structures.
Oak tree: How to grow?
The oak tree is grown from an acorn. To get a good oak tree, you need to find a good acorn. If you want to plant an oak tree, here is a detailed list of steps that you can follow.
- Place acorns in a cold water pot. If the acorns are good to germinate, then they will sink instantly.
- Now, place the good acorn in a deep pit. You can use a potting mix for placing the acorns. You can also go through this step in a pot. But if you want to use a pot in this step, do not use more than two acorns in a single pot.
- If you are going to grow the acorn in the summer season, then you have to moisten the soil daily. In the case of the pot, use a water sprayer.
- After a few days, you can get the saplings from the acorns. Choose the strongest one to transfer to a bigger soil yard.
- Though oak trees do not demand much fertiliser, it will be best if you can fertilise the soil according to the nutrient level of the soil.
- Keep an eye on direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is required for at least 4 to 7 hours.
- In the summer season, a fully-grown tree will require water every 6 to 8 days. In the winter season, you can decrease the frequency after checking the moisture of the soil.
Source: Pinterest
Oak tree: Maintenance tips
- Usually, the oak tree grows in direct sunlight. But, sometimes, a few variants also need intermediate shades for good growth. So, on average, an oak tree needs a minimum of five to eight hours of sunlight for healthier growth.
- If the tree is fully grown, you can water it every 10 days. In the summer season, you can water the tree every six to eight days. Also, morning is the best time to water the oak tree. This will help it absorb the required water before it evaporates. You can also water the tree in the evening.
Oak tree: Benefits
Oak trees offer a number of benefits. Here are the major advantages of oak trees.
- Oak trees are used for manufacturing furniture. Furniture made from oak trees is quite durable and has antifungal properties.
- The acorns of the oak tree serve as a food source for many animals. Acorns are known for being a rich source of protein.
- Oak timbers are used for creating beams for building constructions because the timber is quite durable and hard.
- In a few places, the oak tree is used for garden ornamentation.
- Oak trees are good for wildlife preservation as they are inhabited by many species of animals and birds in the wild.
- One of the most crucial benefits is air quality improvement. The oak tree is responsible for purifying the air by absorbing huge amounts of carbon dioxide.
Source: Pinterest
Oak tree: Toxicity
Oak trees are not at all toxic to humans or animals, making them completely safe to plant.
FAQs
What are the main uses of oak trees?
Oak trees are widely used for manufacturing durable high-quality furniture with strong fungal-resistance.
What is the genus of the oak tree?
The oak tree comes under the genus Quercus.
How many types of oak trees are available throughout the world?
The oak tree has a lot of types and variants like Quercus velutina, Quercus marilandica, Quercus macrocarpa, Quercus pagoda, Quercus montana, Quercus muehlenbergii, Quercus robu, Quercus ilex, Quercus lyrata, Quercus palustris, etc.
Is a drainage system required for an oak tree?
Yes, to maintain the growth of an oak tree, it is mandatory to have a good drainage system in the oak yard.