Speedy Growth Secrets: Fastest Growing Oak Trees
Oaks are rapid-growing, robust native trees known for their shade. These long-lived trees can grow between 1 to 3 feet annually.
Their fastest growth occurs in the initial 10 to 15 years, with young oaks easily achieving 2 to 3 feet per year.
Due to their quick growth and pollution tolerance, oaks are commonly used as street trees. They excel as shade trees, provided your yard has ample space for their growth.
Notably, oaks contribute more to their environment than they consume. Explore further to discover more about these fast-growing oak trees.
Types of Fast-Growing Oak Trees
Northern Red Oak
The Northern Red Oak tree is a substantial, but beautiful tree. This tree is large; it can grow up to 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide.
This red oak is a US native tree that provides wonderful environmental value. Its branches house birds and small mammals and its acorns feed an abundant variety of wildlife.
The Northern Red Oak is extremely cold and hardy. It can grow in USDA growing zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The red autumn leaves are stunning.
Shumard Oak Tree
The Shumard Oak, native to the southeastern United States, is also known as the spotted oak or the swamp red oak.
It can reach heights of up to 80 feet, although it typically grows to a height of 40 to 60 feet and a width of 40 feet at maturity.
This fast-growing oak tree is known for its toughness and adaptability, thriving in diverse conditions, although it is not as cold-hardy as the Northern Red Oak.
The Shumard Oak is particularly renowned for its stunning fall foliage, which displays vibrant reds and oranges.
Willow Oak Tree
Willow Oaks are fast-growing oak trees with leaves that resemble those of willow (salix) trees, setting them apart from other oak species.
These shade trees are beneficial for the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife while boasting a long lifespan.
Willow Oaks typically grow to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide, making them ideal for adding shade to your yard if space allows. In the fall, these oak trees display stunning gold and orange foliage.
Oak Tree Care
Fast-growing oak trees are highly adaptable and easy to cultivate. Plant them in full sun for optimal growth.
Once established, oak trees require minimal maintenance. They are tolerant of drought, black walnut trees, and pollution.
If your soil lacks nutrients, you can feed oak trees with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
This fertilizer can also be safely applied at the time of planting to give your newly planted tree a healthy start.
I hope you enjoyed learning about fast-growing oak trees. Happy planting.
Which type of oak tree grows the fastest?
The Nuttall oak, also recognized as pin oak or red oak, stands out as the fastest-growing oak tree. Apart from offering a leafy canopy, it provides animals like deer and squirrels with a substantial yearly yield of acorns.