Oak Trees South Carolina

What are South Carolina Oak Trees?

South Carolina oak trees thrive in this state. They are able to tolerate the state’s warm climate. Our oak trees of South Carolina all grow in zone 7 and 8 which encompasses most of the state. The shumard oak and the willow oak can also grow in zone 9, the hottest and coastal regions of the state. 

How Many Different Oak Trees are in South Carolina? 

There are at least 15 native oak trees in South Carolina. These oak tree types include the white oak, Spanish oak, swamp chestnut oak, southern red oak, northern red oak, turkey oak, laurel oak, blackjack oak, shumard oak, water oak, willow oak, black oak, and live oak.

How to Care for Oak Trees in South Carolina

South Carolina oak trees are no maintenance once they are established. These hardy trees grow in full sun and tolerate any soil, even wet soil. Feed oak trees when planting and in spring with our slow release fertilizer if needed. Oak trees do not usually require pruning, but if any heavy pruning is desired, prune your oak tree when it is dormant in winter or early spring. Minor pruning can be done at any time. 

When is the Best Time to Plant Oak Trees in South Carolina?

Spring and fall are the best times to plant South Carolina oak trees. Oak trees can also be planted in winter throughout the entire state with great results. Avoid planting oak trees in South Carolina in summer because of the harsh temperatures during this time of year.

How to Plant South Carolina Oak Trees

Water your potted oak tree well before planting. Be sure the root ball is moist. Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the pot of your new tree, but not quite as deep as the container is tall. Place your oak tree in the hole and be sure it is even. The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the existing soil line. Fill the soil in around the root ball. Tamp the soil down with your hands to remove air pockets. Water deeply until the earth around your tree is wet. Apply mulch in a mound around your new tree to help retain soil moisture, protect the roots of your oak tree, and reduce weeds. Make sure the mulch is not piled up against the trunk as this can encourage pests and increase the chance of disease. Water your South Carolina oak tree daily for the first week and 1 to 3 times weekly for the first 2 to 3 months until your tree is established. Water heavily less often rather than watering a small amount often. Let the hose run for a couple minutes as the base of your tree.

When to Prune Oak Trees in South Carolina

Winter or early spring when these trees are dormant is the best time to prune South Carolina oak trees. When temperatures are dropping and oak trees are beginning to slow down their metabolic processes in fall, is also a good time for pruning oak trees in South Carolina. Minor pruning can be done anytime of the year. Broken, dead, or diseased branches should be removed when you notice them.

Where to Buy South Carolina Oak Trees

Our South Carolina 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 South Carolina

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

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

Soil Type: Fertile

Sunlight: Full Sun

Drought Tolerance: High

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

Fall Color: Red

Description: The northern red oak tree can grow throughout the state of South Carolina except near the coast where the USDA growing zone is 9. This beautiful shade tree is adaptable, tolerant, and easy to grow. It is no maintenance once it is established. This large oak tree is well known for its phenomenal red fall foliage. Red Oaks are substantial trees so be sure you have plenty of room. Oaks are used as street trees and shade trees in the landscape. As a South Carolina native tree, red oak is a great choice for commercial and residential landscapes.

Shumard Oak Tree

Quercus shumardii

Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Soil Type: Adaptable

Sunlight: Full Sun

Drought Tolerance: High

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

Fall Color: Red

Description: The shumard oak is a sturdy and tough shade tree. It is fast growing, tolerant, adaptable, and requires no maintenance once it is established. The shumard oak is drought and pollution tolerant. This South Carolina native oak tree is an excellent South Carolina tree. 

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos

Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Soil Type: Adaptable

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

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

Fall Color: Orange

Description: This native shade tree has distinctive elongated leaves that resemble willow leaves more than oak leaves. In Autumn, the willow oak tree’s leaves turn copper and yellow. These hardy oak trees are fast growing and an asset to the ecosystem. Willow oaks tolerate clay and wet soil and air pollution. These native South Carolina trees grow throughout the state.

Be sure to browse our South Carolina Trees for more options!

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