A Growers Guide to the Shumard Oak
The Shumard Oak tree is one of stately beauty with varying breathtaking colors every year. The Shumard Red Oak tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, preferring well-drained soil. Because these plants spawn the Shumard Oak acorn, many critters are attracted to these trees. From squirrels to deer, various wildlife loves the Shumard Oak. The Shumard Oak has excellent urban adaptability and the Shumard Oak care instructions are simple. Ultimately, this tree is an excellent addition to practically any landscape.
The Shumard Oak leaf is 4-8″ in length with deep lobes. Thanks to the Shumard Oak leaf and its striking colors, this tree makes a dramatic statement. From dark green to red orange in fall, the Shumard Oak tree is beautiful year-round. One other major characteristic you will notice is the Shumard Oak bark. This bark has a distinct, shiny gray appearance that is smooth to the touch.
Should you find a Shumard Oak tree for sale, you should be prepared to provide for it. Luckily, we have some relevant Shumard Oak tree facts and care instructions below for anyone seeking info on these lovely, ornamental trees. Read on for all the Shumard Oak care instructions necessary to achieve a gorgeous landscape, along with the relevant Shumard Oak facts.
How to Plant a Shumard Oak Tree
Whether you have found a Shumard Oak for sale or hope to soon, you want to prepare to care for it properly. For starters, the recommended Shumard Oak planting distance is 20 ft. Shumard Oak planting should be done far away from the street to avoid destructive root invasion. When digging a hole for your new tree, be sure it is 1.5 times the size of the tree’s root ball, semi shallow, and located in full sun.
Basic Shumard Oak Care
Planting a Shumard Oak tree is easy enough, but what does it take to care for one? Thankfully, there are not too many Shumard Oak problems with which to be concerned. Beginning with the soil, the Shumard Oak tree prefers well-drained soils with an acidic, loamy, or alkaline makeup. The tree produces average amounts of water and is drought resistant. Young Shumard Oaks need watering 2-3 times weekly for the first few months. Once you have a 5 year old Shumard Oak on your hands however, you want to reduce watering to once a week. In terms of pruning, the Shumard Oak should be cut back in early spring, removing broken, dead, and diseased branches.
What is the Shumard Oak Growth Rate?
When planting Shumard Oak, it is beneficial to know how large it could grow, so you plant accordingly. The Shumard Red Oak growth rate is impressive, growing 2-3 feet each year. Once it is fully matured, the Shumard Oak height is anywhere from 50-60′ tall. In all, the Shumard Oak is a unique species with fast-growing tendencies.
Shumard Red Oak Root System
The Shumard Oak root system is invasive, producing lateral roots that span an area 4-7 times the tree’s crown’s size. The size of this root system is more significant than that of everyday trees.
Texas Red Oak vs Shumard Oak
The Texas Red and Shumard Oak are closely related, having similar leaves and acorns. However, the leaves produced by the Texas Red are larger in size. Additionally, they have more regular lobing along with a fringed acorn cup. The Shumard is a faster-growing tree that also grows larger overall.
Nuttall Oak vs Shumard Oak
The Nuttall Oak is well-suited to the lowland areas. In contrast, Shumard Oak trees are native to upland areas. Also, the Shumard tends to hold its dead leaves throughout winter, unlike the Nuttall variety.
Northern Red Oak vs Shumard Oak
The Shumard Oak tolerates a much broader range of soil moisture when compared to Northern Red Oaks. Additionally, the Shumard Oak leaf is more wedge-shaped, with its widest point closer to the tip.
Pin Oak vs Shumard Oak
Unlike the Pin Oak tree, the Shumard thrives in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Pin Oaks often display their iron deficiency when exposed to pH above 6.8.
Shumard Oak Pros and Cons
Much like any other tree, the Shumard Oak has its pros and cons. Let us look at some of the pros to start.
- Fast-growing
- Easy to maintain
- Colorful foliage year-round
- Great for shade
While there are some Shumard Oak problems, the cons of planting one is few and far between.
- Susceptible to pests
- Animals may damage growth
- Invasive root systems
Enjoying the Shumard Oak Tree
If you are looking for a statement tree to add to your landscape and reside in USDA hardiness zones 6-9—the Shumard Oak is an excellent option. From its impressive spread to its impactful annual color scheme, we cannot think of many reasons not to plant one. A quick search for Shumard Oak tree for sale near me will turn up plenty of local options from Home Depot to your neighborhood nursery. Hopefully, you noe have the info needed to get started planting your Shumard Oaks.
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