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Shingle Oak Tree
Shingle Oak Tree
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Quercus imbricaria
Shingle Oak Tree – Product Description
The Shingle Oak Tree is a durable, native oak species valued for its unique, unlobed leaves, rounded canopy, and strong adaptability to urban and rural landscapes alike. This versatile oak offers the shade of a red oak with the foliage texture of a magnolia, making it a beautiful and underused option for streetscapes, parks, and large home landscapes.
Long-lived and ecologically valuable, the Shingle Oak supports wildlife, erosion control, and reforestation efforts, while offering graceful form and seasonal interest.
Shingle Oak Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Quercus imbricaria |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Shingle Oak |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 50–60 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 40–60 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 100–150+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 4–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun (essential for strong growth and acorn production) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Tolerates loam, clay, or sandy soils; prefers moist, well-drained |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Glossy green in summer; yellow-brown to russet in fall |
| 🌰 Fruit Type | Small brown acorns; mature in second year |
| 🐝 Pollination | Wind-pollinated; supports pollinators and wildlife |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Rounded, full canopy with strong central leader |
| ↔️ Spacing | 40–60 ft for canopy spread and mature growth |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Shade tree, street tree, park planting, wildlife restoration |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌰 Produces acorns that support birds, mammals, and pollinators
🌿 Offers shade and wind buffering for open landscapes and communities
🌎 Ideal for native reforestation, erosion control, and biodiversity
🍃 Provides long-lasting canopy coverage and carbon storage
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌳 Unique, unlobed leaves offer standout foliage texture | 🌱 Slow to moderate growth requires patience for shade or height |
| 🐿️ High wildlife value with reliable acorn production | 🍁 Leaf and acorn drop may require light cleanup in maintained spaces |
| 🌿 Adaptable to poor and compact soils | ✂️ May need structural pruning in early years to encourage form |
| 🏞️ Excellent for large-scale landscapes and restoration | 🪓 Large mature size unsuitable for tight residential lots |
| 🧬 Long-lived and strong native species | ❄️ May leaf out later in spring than other trees |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before and after planting; keep soil evenly moist in first year
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root zone; plant at original soil level
🌾 Mulch 2–4 inches deep to retain moisture and prevent weed competition
💦 Water weekly during dry periods, especially in early establishment
✂️ Prune in winter to develop strong structure and remove crossing limbs
🧪 Fertilize lightly in spring only if growth appears stunted; thrives in natural soils
The Shingle Oak Tree is a resilient, attractive native oak offering broad shade, strong structure, and ecological support across a wide range of landscapes. With its unique foliage, dependable growth, and habitat value, it’s an ideal choice for shade, beauty, and biodiversity that lasts for generations.
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