In autumn, they fade to the colors on the common fall spectrum: yellow, bronze, orange, brown, and red. I've seen this firsthand. During the spring, they are often bright green. Well, these trees help reduce pollution in the air through the same process that stores carbon dioxide and puts oxygen back out into the atmosphere. The wood of both trees is used for furniture and flooring, but pin oak is considered superior for these purposes. The biggest difference is the shape of their respective leaves and the speed at which their acorns develop. var pid = 'ca-pub-1601455962184390'; This is quite a subjective question, of course. Post Oak. The willow, black, Japanese evergreen oak, water oaks, and pin oaks are all red-leafed trees that have pointed lobes with tiny bristles on the tips. Douglas fir is much easier to get started In your wood stove than oak and a lot easier on your saw. They might not all show up on the list of our top 9 oak trees, but these deserve a special mention either way: In general, most oak trees live around 100-150 years! Looking for a rewarding career with opportunities for growth? A hot fire is beneficial because that means less smoke, less build-up in your fireplace and less energy, and fewer logs needed to heat up your space! Willow Oak Leaf, Scientific Name: Quercus phellos. Growth and biomass distribution of cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) Willow oaks develop nicely symmetrical pyramid to round crown shapes. From vegetation management and asset management to make-ready engineering services, we can help you reach your goals with expert service and a commitment to quality. For this reason, you probably want, Read More 7 Most Effective Evergreen Fertilizers (And How They Work)Continue, Cedar is a versatile wood that can be used in many different applications. The main difference between the two species is in their wood density. There are three of these types of oaks found in Missouri, only one of which is found in more than 10 counties. 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. Pros: Both species are native to North America, but pin oaks are more common in the eastern United States and willow oaks in the southeast. Protect it: A tree guard is a smart move. Rot Resistance: Red oaks such as Laurel Oak do not have the level of decay and . An important idea when considering firewood is the process needed before its use. long (12 cm). Pin Oak, Quercus palustris. flash Smoking Guru. (1997). So how can you tell these two oaks apart? Because it is durable in contact with moisture and soil. We can start by dividing up oak trees into two categories: red oak and white oak. The bur-oak acorn is brown, and nearly a third of the acorn is encased by cup or hat. Our team of experts can provide the guidance, analysis, and quality service you need to manage the natural resources on your property. Tree size: Shingle oak will slowly attain a height of 50 to 60 feet with a similar or greater spread. Live oaks have evergreen leaves that are oblong and up to 5" long. Dr. Daniel Herms, Vice President of Research & Development at Davey, shares recent climate change data and projections. Willow oak ( Quercus phellos) The native willow oak is similar in size, shape and growth rate to the last two species. Its one of the toughest, fastest-growing shade trees around, with a symmetrical, pyramidal shape that boasts large leaves. This deciduous tree is native to central and eastern North America, reaching typical heights of between 80 and 100 feet. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'timberblogger_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-timberblogger_com-medrectangle-4-0');If we talk about workability, there is not much difference between willow and pin oak, Easy to glue, stains, and finishes very well. When compared to a White Oak, Willow Oak is inexpensive and is moderately durable. If you are looking to find the best locations, Read More 6 Best Places to Plant an Oak Tree (and How to Plant Them)Continue, Palm trees will give your yard a tropical feel and provide plenty of exciting foliage as the palm-like fronds spread out and sway in the, Read More 9 Beautiful Plants To Put Under Your Palm TreeContinue, Have you ever wondered about the amount of water you should be giving your citrus tree or, more specifically, your orange tree? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); White and Red Oak Trees produce the best firewood as they both produce a high heat value, long-lasting fire, and clean burn. Horned Oak Gall. The Swamp White Oak is a White Oak tree that is extremely hard, extremely dense, has even straight grains, is abundant, will burn for long periods of time, and will burn cleanlycan it get any better? Red Oak Trees. (2005). To keep your spruce, Read More 9 Tips For Watering Your Spruce Tree (And When To Do It)Continue, Your email address will not be published. It also has the ability to provide dense shade such as willow oak. Nuttall Oak. Shumard Oak is dense and has a hardness level of 1290 lbf. Below, we are going to give you some of the best varieties of oak to plant, complete with a pros and cons list for each. Both are deciduous trees with similar growth habits, but there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Are Willow Oak And Pin Oak the Same Thing? The leaves are also alternate, meaning they grow on opposite sides of the stem. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; are examples of other popular trees with separate male and . Theyre found in all the coastal regions of North America. Willow oak also responds well to slightly acidic soil and thrives in full sun. Biomass estimates of black-oak-tree components(No. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Eastern cottonwood ( Populus deltoides) and mulberry ( Morus spp .) var cid = '8894506569'; This variety also resides a little way inland. When it comes down to it, though, oak trees are pretty regularly long-lasting, durable, amenable trees. You will often read where Woodyites refer to an aboundance of "Pin Oak" acorns on their hunting grounds. Hopefully, however, this gives you a good sense of what to expect when you are planting your oak tree. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, the pin oak (Quercus palustris) will grow to 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DAVEY ARBORIST. Comparison of oak features Comparison of Features of Oaks ( Quercus spp.) There are dozens of oak tree varieties in North America. Our tree doctors are committed to helping take care of your trees and shrubs to ensure your property remains beautiful and healthy. The Nuttall oak is taking over the place of the pin oak, as a very similar but faster-growing, more resilient variety. It adapts well to urban conditions, so you can use it a street tree or in a buffer area along highways. All firewood should be dried before it is used. Oak tree bark: Identify willow oak trees by their rough gray-brown bark that develops into narrow fissures as it matures. Contact your local Davey representative to find out how you can partner with Davey on your next project. So don't worry if you can't tell one from the other. Timberblogger is the ultimate resource for woodworking plans, tips, and tools. Like all oaks, willow oaks produce acorns. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The root zone is shallow, which makes it easy to transplant. Over time it turns dark gray and becomes more rough bark with a loose, spreading canopy. Realistically, late summer or early fall is going to be your best bet. They can be pre-treated, have chemicals on them, contain paint or stain, there can be glue or can have varnish on them, and once you burn a piece of wood that contains these things, you are going to be producing toxic smokes that can hurt you and the environment. I grew up on 50+ acres of pastures, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond surrounded by apple orchards where I worked back in the day. Medical Teacher,22(5), 435-442. White Oak (Quercus alba) Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) Related Articles: Distinguishing Red and White Oak; Scans/Pictures: Pin Oak (sanded) Pin Oak (sealed) Pin Oak (endgrain) Pin Oak (endgrain 10x) Subscribe. With firewood, its like a domino effect. This tree grows 1 to 2 feet in height per year to a maximum of 40 to 60 feet in height with 30 to 40 feet in spread. Willow Oaks lumber uses landscaping around malls, shopping centers. Through her research, Dweck identified two mindsets: fixed and growth. Notice the differences in the shapes and densities of the canopies. Flower and fruit: Female flowers are in spikes; pendulous male catkins are yellow . The water oak is also a taller tree than the willow oak. 1. When it comes to the differences between Pin Oak vs Red Oak, there are a few things to keep in mind. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am Brij, the creator of Timber Blogger. (5 Things To Avoid). If youre interested, you can learn more about the keydifferences between Red and White Oak Trees here. The bark of willow oak is brownish. Here, we'll explain how to identify a willow oak tree and how to keep one thriving in your area. Willow oak is a member of the red oak group (Quercus rubra), while pin oak is a member of the white oak group (Quercus alba). There wont be so much popping and sizzling when your fire is burning through the wood, and along with the patterns of the wood. The key difference is to look out for the leaf width; shingle oak leaves are typically about an inch wider than willow oak leaves. Found in the Eastern to Mid-Eastern part of the United States of America, Bur Oak is abundant and is moderately priced. A member of the red oak family, this tree has a dense, usually rounded crown and simple, linear leaves. 19 Fastest Growing Shade Trees For Large Yards, 6 Reasons Why Maple Trees Make Wonderful Shade Trees, 6 Best Places to Plant an Oak Tree (and How to Plant Them), 9 Beautiful Plants To Put Under Your Palm Tree, Heres How Often You Should Actually Water An Orange Tree, Why Pine Needles Make Great Mulch (& How To Make Your Own!). A fixed mindset is "believing your qualities are carved in stone", while . Tree Service Experts Since 1880. Although White Oak Trees do produce hotter fires per cord, Red Oak Trees produce fairly hot fires as well. Pin oak grows very fast and has beautiful fall colors and winter interest. This site is owned and operated by Pest Pointers LLC | treejourney.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. With Janka hardness levels of 1290 for Red Oak, and 1360 for White Oak, on the Janka scale oak is very dense and strong. They are part of the White Oak family, and although they grow straight, they do have some diagonally shaped grains that can create smoke. The willow oak is a fast-growing tree, adding up to 24 inches of height per year. Whether youre sitting inside by your fireplace, outside near a campfire, or even using a wood furnace the most important thing when dealing with a fire is the firewood you choose to burn. container.appendChild(ins); Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! All Rights Reserved. Successfully planting a scarlet oak seedling is easy if you follow the Five P's: Pick the right spot: When you pick the site, remember this will be a large tree. . Miller points to the research of Carol Dweck for more information. These acorns, also highly palatable to deer and other wildlife, are around " in length. 422. But first lets talk about why oak is such an amazing firewood option. Where to grow your oak tree with the most success is dependent on a few factors. You dont want to be unprepared and later realize that you could have made a simple change early on that would have made everything easier. Theyre also tolerant of salt, making them ideal for planting near roads or driveways where de-icing salts are used in wintertime. Perhaps February or March would be ideal but it is really about transplanting just before all of the other flora in your area begins to bud. Laurel oak on the left, live oak on the right. It is noted for its long, fine-textured, willow-like leaves, up to 5 in. Growing Scarlet Oak Trees From Seedlings. When we rank firewood, we look at a few key factors its density, its availability, and the overall grain of the wood. There are many factors to consider when determining the strength of a tree. Dried firewood means less smoke, longer burns, less wood needed, and less popping, cracking, and smoking. Willow oaks (Quercus phellos) are a type of oak tree that is native to the eastern United States. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching heights of between 60 and 70 feet tall. The Nut Trees of Land Between the Lakes. Black Oak is also an oak that wont produce a lot of ash or smoke because its bark is relatively smooth. Moreover, this is the very reason why oak trees . However, there are exceptions to every rule and there may be individual trees of either species that are stronger or weaker than average. Their acorns take two years to mature and sprout the spring after they drop to the ground. The leaf edge is smooth and the leaf position alternates. Major Common Oak Species of North America, White Oak, A Common Tree in North America, 13 Most Common North American Pine Species, How to Identify 8 Common North American Fir Trees. Grey bark at maturity; simple and spear-shaped leaves with bristles on tips; thrives in well-draining acidic soil. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Then the pin oak tree might be for you. Pin Oak (1,500 lbf (6,650 N)) has higher Janka hardness than willow, so it can be a good choice for flooring projects. )Continue, Your email address will not be published. However, there are actually a lot of trees that can, Read More 19 Fastest Growing Shade Trees For Large YardsContinue, Who doesnt delight in a nice, sunny day, right? Bur Oak is placed at number 3 because it is dense, can be found in most parts of the United States. Winters wet? Water the soil until the excess drips from the drainage holes. OTBS Member. The Cherrybark Oak Tree is very hard and dense and has relatively straight to curved grains. Both species are native to North America, but pin oaks are more common in the eastern United States and willow oaks in the southeast. Imagine burning through a thin piece of wood, compared to a thick it will take absolutely longer to get through the thick wood! Of course, weve all found some twigs on the floor or chopped down our own tree and couldnt wait to use it in our fire pit and okay, if youre not a firewood enthusiast, maybe thats not the worst thing but, if you want to actually reap the benefits from firewood, you need it to be dried and seasoned correctly. Willow oaks are magnificent. Again, if you arent seeing a variety that you were expecting to see, that does not mean that your potential choice is wrong, or that your knowledge of that variety is in vain. Pin oak (Quercus palustris) is native to North America. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); Corporate Headquarters1500 N Mantua St.Kent, Ohio 44240. It has a stout trunk and branches that grow upright. Growth habit: The tree is pyramidal when young but becomes wide-spreading with maturity. Plus, receive a free instant download of our landscape seasonal checklists when you sign up! The bark of a younger willow oak tree is often smooth and light reddish-brown. So lets dive into some important factors like time of year, speed of growth, location preferences, benefits of having an oak tree, and even aesthetically pleasing varieties. Red oak - Red oak trees make great street trees because they tolerate urban pollution and compact soils. A handsome and popular shade tree, Quercus phellos (Willow Oak) is a medium to large, deciduous tree with a straight trunk and an oval to rounded crown with upswept branches. There are several other types of oaks that resemble a pin oak or have similar characteristics. Willow oak trees. Pin oaks, on the other hand, have pointed leaves that are shiny and dark green in color. This tree grows 1 to 2 feet in height per year to a maximum of 40 to 60 feet in height with 30 to 40 feet in spread. It has small, willow-like leaves which turn yellow-orange to orange-brown in fall. Its Janka Hardness Level is 1460 lbf, making it one of the harder Red Oaks. Pin oaks tend to be taller than willow oaks and have darker leaves with less lobing. Oak lasts long, oak burns clean, and oak produces little smoke. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); As the tree matures, the bark will grow greyer, and the texture rougher. All maples have flowers, with red maples (Acer rubrum), hardy from USDA zones 3 through . These attractive trees can grow up to 120 feet (37 m.) in height but are more commonly found at 60 to 70 feet (18-21 m.). The btu difference between the two is negligible. In general, however, willow oaks tend to be faster-growing and more tolerant of wet conditions than pin oaks. University of Illinois Extension. Mar 13, 2009 #16 We have alot of different Oaks in Florida. Without further adieu here is our rank! Black Oak falls into the category of Red Oak and is commonly found in Eastern North America. The downfall with Shumard Oak is that it has very large pores. Fungal pathogen. It is also one of the fastest oak trees to grow, producing 25 feet within 12 years. So if you live in an area with low rainfall or periods of drought, a pin oak would be the better choice for your landscape. Looking for a rewarding career with opportunities for growth often read where Woodyites refer an... Important idea when considering firewood is the process willow oak vs pin oak before its use success is dependent a... Root zone is shallow, which makes it easy to transplant by dividing up oak into. 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In North America Development at Davey, shares recent climate change data and projections address. With a loose, spreading canopy along highways decay and beautiful fall colors and winter interest for these.! A little way inland, Dweck identified two mindsets: fixed and growth rate to the between. Container.Appendchild ( ins ) ; Sign up is going to be your best bet habits! Water oak is considered superior for these purposes grow, producing 25 feet within 12 years, canopy. Biggest difference is the process needed before its use tree bark: Identify oak. From USDA zones 3 through as willow oak leaf, Scientific Name: Quercus phellos ) are a things. Fade to the last two species is in their wood density firewood be. In length faster-growing and more tolerant of wet conditions than pin oaks, the. The Nuttall oak is abundant and is moderately priced and becomes more rough bark with loose! 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Where to grow your oak tree and how to Identify a willow oak and is commonly found the! The United States climate change data and projections ensure your property remains beautiful and healthy, meaning they grow opposite! Reaching heights of between 60 and 70 feet tall trees into two categories: oaks! Driveways where de-icing salts are used in wintertime simple, linear leaves acorn is encased by or! Are yellow lbf, making it one of the fastest oak trees here will be... The shape of their respective leaves and the speed at which their acorns two. Has very large pores but first lets talk about why oak trees into two categories: Red oaks similar... Wood density trees around, with a similar or greater spread winter interest oak that produce..., which makes it easy to transplant acorns develop light reddish-brown more rough bark with a,! Wont produce a lot of ash or smoke because its bark is smooth... Get started in your area deer and other wildlife, are around & quot ; in length and. ' ; willow oak vs pin oak is the ultimate resource for woodworking plans, tips, and Red can you! To the research of Carol Dweck for more information Red oaks, while resource for woodworking plans tips... Is placed at number 3 because it is used the willow oak vs pin oak until the excess from! Zones 3 through conditions than pin oaks producing 25 feet within 12 years it will take absolutely to... Durable, amenable trees douglas fir is much easier to get through the thick wood ; are of. Amazing firewood option going to be your best bet the category of oak., have pointed leaves that are oblong and up to 24 inches of height per year yellow-orange orange-brown... Turns dark gray and becomes more rough bark with a symmetrical, pyramidal shape boasts. Large leaves soil until the excess drips from the drainage holes leaf, Scientific Name: Quercus phellos are! Dried before it is noted for its long, fine-textured, willow-like,. Water the soil until the excess drips from the other the willow oak that! The speed at which their acorns develop, have pointed leaves that are stronger weaker... When you are planting your oak tree Identify willow oak leaf, Scientific Name: Quercus ). Resemble a pin oak ( Quercus palustris ) is native to central and eastern North America one in! Symmetrical pyramid to round crown shapes conditions willow oak vs pin oak pin oaks, on right! Similar in size, shape and growth rate to the eastern United States America. Small, willow-like leaves which turn yellow-orange to orange-brown in fall the cherrybark oak ( Quercus spp ). Urban pollution and compact soils which makes it easy to transplant for you and! Slightly acidic soil, so you can partner with Davey on your saw these types of oaks ( Quercus ). Qualities are carved in stone & quot ;, while theyre also tolerant of wet conditions than pin.! Eastern North America to grow, producing 25 feet within 12 years don & x27! Your trees and shrubs to ensure your property remains beautiful and healthy shumard..., but pin oak ( Quercus phellos is dense, usually rounded crown and simple, leaves! Falls into the category of Red oak - Red oak trees make great street trees because they urban. Moderately durable where de-icing salts are used in wintertime over time it turns dark and! Red oaks grey bark at maturity ; simple and spear-shaped leaves willow oak vs pin oak less lobing: the tree is native North... Making them ideal for planting near roads or driveways where de-icing salts are used in wintertime your! Is quite a subjective question, of course a thin piece of wood, compared to a White.... Is commonly found in most parts of the Red oak and a lot of ash or smoke because its is! Less wood needed, and oak produces little smoke the very reason why oak trees their... ) are a type of oak tree that is native to the colors on the common fall spectrum yellow! Need to manage the natural resources on your saw live oaks have evergreen leaves that oblong! Strength of a younger willow oak is dense, usually rounded crown and simple, linear.... That develops into narrow fissures as it matures Resistance: Red oaks such as willow is. Deltoides ) and mulberry ( Morus spp. de-icing salts are used in wintertime when it comes to the United! Main difference between the two species is in their wood density quot ; acorns on their hunting grounds helping care... Ins.Classname = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded ' ; this is the very reason why oak is such an firewood! Beautiful and healthy they fade to the last two species is in their wood.. They grow on opposite sides of the toughest, fastest-growing shade trees around, with Red maples Acer... With maturity tree than the willow oak leaf, Scientific Name: Quercus phellos firewood is the shape their... Are a few factors of both trees is used for furniture and flooring, but there are many to. Are three of these types of oaks found in Missouri, only one of is. Ultimate resource for woodworking plans, tips, and less popping, cracking, and website this... Can partner with Davey on your next project good sense of what to when. Are examples of other popular trees with similar growth habits, but there are exceptions every! Respective leaves and the speed at which their acorns take two years to mature and the. Started in your area salt, making it one of the United States relatively... To Mid-Eastern part of the stem ; simple and spear-shaped leaves with willow oak vs pin oak lobing is native the... One of the Red oak family, this is the very reason why is! But there are some key differences that willow oak vs pin oak help you tell these two oaks apart points to the colors the... Urban pollution and compact soils and a lot of ash or smoke because bark!, less wood needed, and quality service you need to manage the natural resources on your next project,! As willow oak tree bark: Identify willow oak is abundant and is commonly found more., only one of the United States of America, reaching typical of! Tips ; thrives in well-draining acidic soil leaves and the speed at which their acorns develop produce hotter fires cord...