Quercus virginiana or Southern live oak is a large, sprawling, picturesque tree, usually graced with Spanish moss and strongly reminiscent of the Old South. Live oak is one of the broadest spreading of the oaks, providing large areas of deep, inviting shade. It is the state tree of Georgia. Reaching 40 to 60 feet in height with a 60 to 100 foot spread and usually possessing many sinuously curved trunks and branches, live oak is an impressive sight for any large-scale landscape.
Windsor Ruin Live Oak - Photo by Steve Nix
Comments
How does oak compare with other tree species in growth rate? Doesn’t it take quite a long time before it reaches significant size?
In my town near Chicago, oaks are not uncommon, but they are rarely found in parkways near the street so I assume they are not salt tolerant but that they don’t mind the very damp soil found here.
Oaks are indeed slow growing. Live oak will have an annual growth rate of maybe 6″ – 10″ in height. But they are long lived, species in the white oak family especially will live for 400 – 600 years.