Bur Oak Tree - Quercus macrocarpa

Bur Oak Tree (Quercus macrocarpa)

The Bur Oak is a native American classic that stands up to challenging growing conditions with remarkable resilience. Known for its impressive size, deeply furrowed bark, and broad canopy, this tree makes a stunning focal point in any landscape. Many homeowners buy Bur Oak trees online to establish a long-lasting shade provider that becomes more majestic with each passing year.

Landscaping Uses

Plant your Bur Oak in open spaces where it has room to spread and develop its full potential. This tree excels as a specimen shade tree for large properties, serves as an effective windbreak, and provides wildlife habitat with its distinctive acorns. Choose a location receiving at least six hours of daily sunlight to ensure vigorous growth and optimal appearance.

Specifications

Height: 50–80 feet
Width: 50–80 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Adaptable; tolerates clay and compacted soils
USDA Zones: 2–9

Why Homeowners Love It

• Exceptionally hardy and thrives in harsh conditions that stress other trees
• Develops a broad, spreading crown providing abundant cooling shade
• Stunning golden-bronze fall foliage and unique fuzzy-capped acorns attract wildlife
• Rugged character and strong structure create architectural interest that improves over decades

Planting & Care

Select a sunny location with adequate space for mature growth and dig a hole matching your tree's root ball size. Firm the soil around the base and water thoroughly, then apply mulch to retain moisture. Water deeply once weekly during establishment; mature trees need supplemental watering only during dry periods with less than one inch of monthly rainfall. Apply general-purpose fertilizer annually if growth lags below two feet per year.