Florida Oak Trees

What are Florida Oak Trees?

Our Florida oak trees are oak trees that can grow in Florida. Be sure to check the recommended growing zones as these trees do not grow in all parts of Florida. Oak trees are US native shade trees that are critical to the environment. They serve as food and shelter for many animals. Oak trees are fast growing, but non-invasive. With their distinctive lobed leaves and acorns, oak trees are some of the most recognizable trees. Oak trees are resilient, reliable, long-lived, and great for the Florida ecosystem. Because of their tannin content, oak trees are naturally pest and disease resistant. They also tolerate salt, drought, and pollution. These large trees make an excellent shade tree for a big backyard. 

What Oak Trees are in Florida?

Many oak trees are native to Florida. Some oak trees of Florida include the shumard oak, the willow oak, and the southern live oak. Northern red oaks can also be found in north Florida. Some other oak trees in Florida include the black oak, bluff oak, chapman oak, chinkapin oak, and the laurel oak.

How Long do Florida Oak Trees Live?

These sturdy trees live for generations. Red oak trees can live for 600 years. However, the average northern red oak lives closer to 200 years of age, but they have been recorded living up to 400 years old. There is a southern live oak tree that is estimated to be 1500 years old!

How to Care for Florida Oak Trees

Florida oak trees are adaptable and very easy to grow. They grow in full sun and tolerate any soil, including wet soil. Feed this shade tree in spring with our slow release fertilizer if needed. Oak trees do not generally require pruning, but if desired or needed prune oak trees when they are dormant in winter or early spring. Minor trimming can be done at any time. 

How to Plant Oak Trees in Florida

Water your potted tree well before planting. Dig a hole about 2 times wider than the pot of your new tree and not quite as deep as it is tall. Place your Florida oak tree level in the hole. The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the existing soil line. Next backfill the soil around the root ball. Water deeply until the ground can no longer hold water. Add 1 to 2 inches of mulch in a mound around your new tree to help retain soil moisture, protect the roots, and reduce weeds. Extend the mulch mound a couple inches beyond the tree’s canopy and be sure the mulch is not piled up against the trunk. Water your oak tree daily for the first week and 1 to 3 times weekly for the first 2 months until your tree is established. Always water deeply with a hose at the base of the tree to help the roots grow properly. Let the hose run for a couple minutes.

How Fast do Oak Trees Grow?

Oak Trees have a fast growth rate between 1 and 3 feet per year. When they are young and under ideal conditions red oaks, shumard oaks, and willow oaks can grow 3 feet or more in a single growing season. Shumard oak, red oak, and willow oak varieties can all easily average 2 feet of growth per year.

What to Plant Under Oak Trees in Florida 

The best grass to grow under oak trees in florida is zoysia. This type of grass can tolerate shade and heat. Alternatively groundcovers can be used. Try shade-tolerant plants like liriope, asiatic jasmine, and sedge. Hostas and coral bells (heuchera) tolerate heavy shade and can also be planted under oak trees. 

Where to Buy Florida Oak Trees

Our Florida oak trees for sale are premium shade trees that are well-branched and ready to plant. Buy Florida oak trees online at PlantingTree. We are a family owned and operated online plant nursery that sells plants and trees for sale.  Scroll up to see our in stock Florida oak trees. 

Types of Oak Trees in Florida

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Growing Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Mature Size: Up to 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide

The fast growing northern red oak tree can grow in northern Florida. This lovely and hardy tree is adaptable, tolerant, and no maintenance once established. This large, majestic oak tree has outstanding red fall foliage and is typically used as a street or shade tree in the home landscape.

Shumard Oak Tree

Quercus shumardii

Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Mature Size: Up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide

The shumard oak is also known as spotted oak and swamp red oak. This hardy oak is a fast growing and sturdy shade tree that is extremely tolerant, adaptable, and easy to grow. The shumard oak is drought and pollution tolerant. It grows in north and central Florida and is a Florida native tree.

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos

Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Mature Size: Up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide

Willow Oak trees have unique foliage that resembles willow leaves. This large shade tree boasts warm copper and yellow leaves in fall. Willow Oaks are fast growing, hardy trees that provide shade, shelter, and sustenance for the ecosystem. This native oak can tolerate clay and wet soil.

Now you know all about Florida Oak trees! Browse our online plant nursery for additional options!

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