Live oaks ( Quercus virginiana ) make a landscaping statement that lasts . These stately tree can live for century , reaching majestic heights and developing wide leafy canopies . These evergreen trees ' eventual size of it and spreading root system makes proper spacing at planting fourth dimension essential , butthe ripe live oakcould be a charming addition to your home landscape .

Size

Step 1

The alive oak tree can live for up to 300 years , reach 80 feet in height and maturate canopy up to 100 feet wide . Most specimens will average only about 40 to 60 foot in height and about 60 to 80 feet wide , but these attribute can still make planting hard . Live oak trees originate at a pace of 24 to 36 inch per year , so even relatively humble saplings could soon interfere with utility wire , edifice or nearby plant . Live oak tree have a blanket root organization that reaches as far as the edge of the canopy , or dripline .

Location

This species does best in partial shade to full sun in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8 through 11 . It prefers moist grime with splendid drain . If you live in a drought - prone area , however , your live oak tree should be able to tolerate dry spell well once it becomes established . Incorrect planting consideration can stunt your live oak tree tree diagram and make it more susceptible to disease .

Tree Spacing

According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin , lively oak tree trees should each receive at least 180 square fundament when initially planted . They should be 40 to 50 metrical unit out from all other trees . leave an extra 15 to 20 infantry between the live oak and your home , driveway or any other social system . This allows for roots that may extend beyond the adult Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s canopy . When you first constitute your live oaks , they may seem too modest for this variety of spacing , but it will be necessary later . Fill in the gap with short - lived landscape painting plants until the trees become base , but do not implant any species with spreading roots or a long life .

Nearby Objects

Live oak tree roots run to be shallow and close to the surface . This stand for that pave or landscape gardening activities could harm the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . quash removing or summate grunge to the sphere within 6 and 10 feet of the live oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s trunk , as this can damage its ability to receive atomic number 8 and control surface piddle . Avoid pave under the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree canopy . If you must pave , use holey fabric like brick sic in Baroness Dudevant or gravel . Keep these materials at least 15 feet away from the tree trunk . Do not mulch or otherwise report the ground around the trunk or dripline as this can keep water from getting to the roots .

References

Article image