Description of red oak tree
Red oak trees are native to Canada. They differ from ordinary oak trees in color and leaf shape. Thanks to the red foliage of the trees, they look elegant in spring and summer.
Other names for this type of oak are holly, canadian and northern. The tree grows in southern Canada and the northern United States. It can be found on hills and hills, in forests, along river banks. Oak grows on any soil, except calcareous and highly waterlogged.
Red oak is one of the most beautiful species of the beech family.
Trees grow up to 25 m in height. They live up to 150 years, but life expectancy can reach 1000 years. The trunk reaches 1,5 m in diameter, the bark is smooth, gray. The crown is hip-shaped, dense. Leaves up to 2,5 cm long. When blooming, they are crimson, turn green in summer, and turn red or brown in autumn.
Young red oak trees have reddish bark. Wood has good transportability and is very valuable for making furniture.
Benefits of growing Canadian oak:
- good frost resistance;
- high life expectancy;
- good survival rate of seedlings;
- the highest, in comparison with other varieties of oak, decorativeness.
The first 25 years the oak grows actively, then the growth slows down. Annual growth can be up to 60 cm. From the age of 15-20 years, the tree begins to bear fruit. The fruits are red-brown acorns. Their length is 1,5-2 cm.
How to grow red oak seedlings
If you choose the right living conditions, then you can not only extend the life span of a tree, but also get high quality wood:
- Oak prefers breathable, moderately moist, fertile soil. Acidity pH = 5,5-7,5.
- The tree does not tolerate stagnant water, therefore, when planting, drainage must be put on the bottom of the planting pit.
- It is a light-loving plant, develops slowly with a lack of sunlight. The northern oak can grow in the shade.
- Seedlings can be grown in regions with high air humidity, where it often rains and temperature indicators change.
To plant a tree, make a groove with a stick up to 25 cm. Lower the root so that the root collar is at a depth of 2-3 cm from the soil level. Tamp the ground around and water.
Red oak is one of the symbols of Canada, but some of its varieties can be grown in Russia. The climatic conditions of our region are suitable for the northern species. American oak can only be found in the eastern United States.