Last updated on December 17th, 2024 at 07:28 pm
Texas Red Oak Tree Information (Quercus buckleyi).
A handsome large tree for the southwest and other parts of the west. I love this tree for its hardiness and overall looks. Many do not realize Red Oak trees will do well in the American Southwest. Most folks think the extreme heat during mid-summer will make this tree a bad choice. It is native to south-central Texas but can be grown in most southwestern cities.
Yes, they do like water but they can tolerate the hot desert sun. They can also be planted in shady conditions. It is smaller than the Eastern or Shumard Red Oaks as it will grow about 50ft. tall and 30 ft. wide. This makes them great trees for smaller yards or landscape areas.
It is deciduous meaning it will lose its leaves in winter but has a burst of orange, red, and bronze-colored leaves in fall from about mid-October until early winter.
The number of Oaktree species is over 500.
What about maintenance?
Like all Oaktree’s they produce acorns that will fall in early spring so there is cleanup during the spring seasons. Also, foliage cleanup in late fall. Occasional trimming to keep branches from getting too wide.
The best t time to prune Red Oak is during the fall season. Be sure not to prune over and also a good time to look for borers.
What about insects and diseases in Texas Red Oaks?
It is a hardwood species tree that makes it difficult for insects or borers to dig into. But if the conditions are right, it may develop Oaktree wilt.
The number one reason Oak Trees die is a fungal disease called a virus called (Bretziella fagacearum) that attacks Oak trees in regions with a lot of rainfall. Spraying with a tree fungicide will remove this fungus. Read more on the Oaktree wilt over at Wikipedia.
Another problem is extreme drought. Not enough during the hot-mid-summer seasons will weaken them. This in turn will make Red Oaks susceptible to diseases and Insects. Keep them well-watered even after they are established.
Texas Red Oak fall foliage.
The USDA zone for Red Oak trees is 3-8
Information on the Live Oak tree here.
The Shumard Red Oak looks similar but grows much larger see photos and information here.
I live in Kingsville TX now. I used to live in Victoria TX and had several Texas Red Oaks and they did fine. I loved their colors and leaves. Will this tree do good in this area of Texas (Kingsville) ? I know they require a lot of water.
Hello, Javier. The USDA zone for Kingsville Tx. is 9a. And the Texas red oaks will do well there.
Here is more information. http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/quetexa.pdf