Oak
Oaks ( Quercus species) are important trees in South Carolina. In general, the deciduous species are more common from the Midlands north, while the evergreens favor conditions in the Coastal Plains. Among most common species that grow in our state are White oak, Water oak, Red oak, Evergreen oak, and Japanese oak. The variety of size and height is represented widely with Japanese oak trees mostly measuring 20-30 feet in height, and massive White oaks reaching up to 100 feet tall.
Oaks are valuable as shade trees, specimens and street trees. Most oaks need
considerable space, and they are generally not well-suited for small home grounds. Evergreens work well in screens and, because they are often smaller, work well on smaller properties. Older oaks, such as famous Angel Oak (pic above) are protected and often preserved.
Most species of oak trees are rapid growers. Water oaks can grow as fast as 25 feet in 10 years, Pin oak grows about 18 inches per year, though some oaks such as White oak species grow as slower rate (10-15 feet in 10-12 years), but are known to live for hundreds of years.
Like any trees, oaks are subject to many pests, depending on the species. Problems may include galls, scale insects, borers, leaf spots, bacterial leaf scorch
and oak wilt.
Regular maintenance and pruning of dead branches and sucker growth promote health of oak trees, which can serve as majestic landscaping ornamentation and sources of shade during hot months in South Carolina climate.
Reference:
Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University. (New 06/99). HGIC 1017.
Oaks ( Quercus species) are important trees in South Carolina. In general, the deciduous species are more common from the Midlands north, while the evergreens favor conditions in the Coastal Plains. Among most common species that grow in our state are White oak, Water oak, Red oak, Evergreen oak, and Japanese oak. The variety of size and height is represented widely with Japanese oak trees mostly measuring 20-30 feet in height, and massive White oaks reaching up to 100 feet tall.
Oaks are valuable as shade trees, specimens and street trees. Most oaks need
considerable space, and they are generally not well-suited for small home grounds. Evergreens work well in screens and, because they are often smaller, work well on smaller properties. Older oaks, such as famous Angel Oak (pic above) are protected and often preserved.
Most species of oak trees are rapid growers. Water oaks can grow as fast as 25 feet in 10 years, Pin oak grows about 18 inches per year, though some oaks such as White oak species grow as slower rate (10-15 feet in 10-12 years), but are known to live for hundreds of years.
Like any trees, oaks are subject to many pests, depending on the species. Problems may include galls, scale insects, borers, leaf spots, bacterial leaf scorch
and oak wilt.
Regular maintenance and pruning of dead branches and sucker growth promote health of oak trees, which can serve as majestic landscaping ornamentation and sources of shade during hot months in South Carolina climate.
Reference:
Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University. (New 06/99). HGIC 1017.
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