The Red Oak Tree

Red oak trees are a common, widespread species of trees throughout the North American continent. Natively, they often occur in Eastern and middle-Eastern states of the US and in the southeastern parts of Canada. In many of the landscapes in which red oaks grow, they are often dominant within their ecosystems.

Red oaks are the tallest and fastest growing trees within the oak genus, growing two feet per year for at least 10 years. These trees can grow up to 98 feet tall, generally. However, some of the tallest red oaks are up to 160 feet tall.

In the fall, the leaves of red oak trees turn a bright red, which is what inspired their common name. They grow acorns in clusters of 2 to 5. These acorns are consumed by many other species in the landscape, including bears, raccoons, rodents, birds, and even humans (Economic Botany & Cultural history: Northern red oak). These trees are also notable for their dense cover, deeming them a great fit for shelter. Many animals use them as protection from harsh weather conditions, and some even burrow inside of them. Their leaves and twigs are often utilized by birds in order to build nests.

Generally adaptable to different climates and soil compositions, red oaks exist throughout the country in a variety of landscapes. They tend to “exhibit best growth on deep, fertile, well-drained, finely textured soils with a relatively high water table” (Quercus rubra). According to Economic Botany & Cultural history: Northern red oak, they have the poorest growth and health patterns when in very wet or very dry soil.

Due to their relatively resistant nature as far as insect infestation and disease, red oaks are a common city tree. They also have somewhat shallow root systems, even compared to other oaks, making them more suitable for transplanting and surviving in urban environments. Red oaks often grow in a round shape, which makes aesthetic maintenance easier than other species of trees.

Red oak trees, which were once a wild, naturally occurring tree, have since been domesticated by humans. First cultivated in 1724 (Quercus rubra), they quickly made their way across the American landscape. While there isn’t any documentation of how or when they came to Boise, they still have a rich history within the city.

One of the most notable historical moments of the red oak tree comes from 1891, when President Benjamin Harrison planted a red oak on the grounds of the Capital. This ritual of planting “Presidential Trees” was carried out several times throughout Idaho history, but this particular oak was most notable because it was planted in the year that Idaho officially became a US state.

While the tree lived on for over 100 years, it was eventually cut down in the process of expanding the Capital building. Unfortunately, this oak was too big and too old to relocate. However, a local violin maker named Frank Daniels used the wood to craft three fiddles. One of those violins still belongs to the State Historical Society to this day and can be viewed from its display (Webb, 2009).

These days, there are many red oak trees around Boise. Most of them were placed intrinsically, in order to create a city with tree diversity and aesthetic value. They can be found in parks, neighborhoods, and even in more urban areas like the Boise State University campus, which has 62 documented red oaks. However, they are only one of the many tree species that make this campus diverse.

Red oak trees have many values attributed to many aspects of this species. These trees can often live up to 400 years, meaning that humans throughout history have lived alongside this species. There are cultural, social, and economic values that have been placed on this species, ranging from early human interactions in North America to modern times. 

One of the historic cultural uses of red oak trees was food and medicine. Native American peoples utilized the acorns that grow on these trees as a food source, first leaching them with ashes in order to remove the bitter taste. They also used the bark in several remedies and medicines.

As the United States entered the Industrial Age, humans found a new use for the red oaks around them. Due to the hard, durable, and coarse-grained nature of their wood, red oaks were deemed a valuable source of lumber. According to Quercus rubra, red oak wood has been used in the construction of “railroad ties, fence posts, veneer, furniture, cabinets, paneling, flooring, caskets, and pulpwood”. Red oak wood tends to be highly susceptible to stains, paints, and polishes, making it ideal for many projects (Economic Botany & Cultural history: Northern red oak). This wood is also a great fit for firewood, as it has high fuel value. 

Today, we can see many benefits of these trees, especially in urban landscapes. After their cultivation in 1724, red oaks have since become popular city trees. Their presence in Boise continues to have a positive impact on the city. Not only are they intrinsically valuable due to their beauty, but they also provide shade, reduce the urban island effect, increase property value, and many more city and community benefits.

Red oak trees, like all tree species, are not immune to pest infestation and disease. While they are typically resilient against some of these threats, there are still many hazards that red oaks may face during their lifetimes. 

One of the most common threats to red oak trees is wilt. This is a vascular disease that can spread from one infected tree to others, making it a highly detrimental disease (Oak Wilt Disease). Oftentimes, oak wilt causes “sudden wilting, early leaf drop, discolored leaves, and sometimes, vascular streaking in the sapwood” (Oak Wilt Disease). Moving rapidly, oak wilt typically leads to the death of a tree in just three to six weeks. 

The most important factors that can help prevent the cause and spread of oak wilt are tied to the management of the tree. It is helpful to avoid pruning during the spring and summer, if possible, because open wounds often produce sap, which attracts beetles and other pests that can spread the disease to other trees. Once an oak has been identified to have this disease, it must be removed immediately, especially if near other red oaks. Because it is often transmitted through root grafts, the tree must be trenched and removed. 

Another issue often faced by red oaks is regeneration patterns, specifically following timber harvesting. Due to mass deforesting of oak trees, this species has difficulties regrowing and maintaining a healthy life. In order to combat this, arborists must be strategic as they harvest red oaks. Some key actions that help ensure healthy regeneration include controlling competing vegetation, managing seedling sprouts as they grow, and removing overstory from dominant trees that may inhibit the growth of new trees.