Red Oak Tree

The Northern Red Oak Tree is a stunning, large deciduous tree known for its majestic height of 60 to 75 feet and a wide, rounded crown that spans 45 to 60 feet. Its leaves are deeply lobed and turn a brilliant red in the fall, providing a vibrant seasonal display for any landscape. The Northern Red Oak Tree’s bark is an attractive dark gray and ridged. Ideal for spacious gardens and parks, this oak thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and is highly adaptable to different environments. The tree is not only valued for its beauty but also for its acorns, which serve as a vital food source for a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds. Northern Red Oak Tree is a popular choice for large landscapes and urban parks for adding grandeur and ecological benefits to your outdoor space.

Also Known As: Red Oak Tree, Quercus Borealis, Quercus Rubra, Red Oak, Eastern Red Oak, Virginia Oak, Canada Red Oak, Northern Oak, Red Oak Tree, Northern Red Oak, American Red Oak, Scarlet Oak

Plant Name:	Tree, Northern Red Oak
Latin Name:	Quercus borealis rubra
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	20 - 30 Years
Plant Height:	60 - 75 Feet
Spread:	45 - 60 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-7
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 60 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Do not over-dry seeds if storing seeds. Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 60-90 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1-2 inches deep and spaced 45-60 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	45-60 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	60 feet

Care During the Season:

Northern Red Oak is a long-lived tree that will grow strong, providing shade, habitat, and ornamental beauty for generations with care. This fast-growing, deciduous tree thrives in full sun, During spring and summer, young trees need regular deep watering, especially in dry periods, to establish strong roots, while mature trees are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is generally not required for mature trees, but young trees can benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth. Applying a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead, weak, or crossing branches, improving air circulation and tree structure.