Burr Oak

[Connie Tassin]

Does anyone out there have a Burr Oak? I was thinking about planting one, and I was wondering how grass does under a Burr Oak tree. We have St. Augustine grass, and I don't know how thick the tree canopy will be.

Another question: Does anyone know of an old Burr Oak in a public place in the DFW Metroplex? I would like to see what a full grown Burr looks like.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[ZIPPER]

Heather:

I have several large Burr Oaks here at my place in SA Tx and they are my favorite. Largest, has a 30" trunk and a canopy of 50'. Lots of shade, many leaves to mulch and composts (if you like work), large acorns and no bugs unless you count the squirels.

I too, have St. Augistine grass and it is doing quite well so long as you trim off the lower branches as it grows. My lower branches are about 8-10 feet from the ground. Learn about the 'trashy trunk' pruning, posted elsewhere here.

It will overpower the growth of any other tree nearby.

In my opinion, the tree is self cleaning of interior small branches that do not receive enought sun light. Branch becomes soft or spoungy and falls to the ground.

I collect the acorns each year to give away and/or take buckets of them to my nursary to probigate. I'd be happy to send you some. A 6'-8' tree goes for about $100 around here. My son, who is a fireman in Fl., raises them at the station for resale for 'comfort' items they need at the station.

I think you would enjoy having a Burr Oak.

[Connie Tassin]

Zipper, Thanks for the quick reply. I have a Burr Oak sitting in a pot on my porch. I was thinking of waiting 'til Fall to plant it out. It's only about two feet tall.

My husband and I are deciding on a location for the tree, and the grass growth was an issue. Thank you for letting us know. Sometimes when I see oaks with no grass underneath, I wonder if it's due to the low branches. I personally like a tree that you can easily walk below the lowest limb.

Zipper, a couple of people told me that Burr Oaks last over a hundred years, and yet are quick to grow for the first few years. I wonder if you noticed this to be true or not. Also, I was told that Burr Oaks have a distinctive bark.

Thank you so much for your help and advice.

[ZIPPER]

Heather,
When you select the spot, watch the overhead for wires and if the tree will reach the roof with it's canopy.

Very attractive bark and one of the main reasons I like the tree.

I hope to see mine reach 100 years and yes, once established, they grow quickly.

[chapster]

According to the pictures I can find on the Internet, I think that these leaves are from a Bur Oak. However, verification would be nice. I have inserted a small image, and then included links to the full size images as well. If you can verify this Oak type, it would be great. Thanks!


Now, the other images.

http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/oakleaves_1.jpg
http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/oakleaves_2_small.jpg
http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/oakleaves_2.jpg

If any additional pictures are needed, close ups, different angle, let me know.

Thanks much,

John C.

[ZIPPER]

John C.

Photo is of the Burr Oak.
Too bad they did not lay a ruler down to project the size of the leaf.
Mine appear to be larger than those shown but then my tree is quite old.

[chapster]

ZIPPER wrote: John C.

Photo is of the Burr Oak.
Too bad they did not lay a ruler down to project the size of the leaf.
Mine appear to be larger than those shown but then my tree is quite old.

Well, as I took the picture, I will take the blame. I have now taken a picture with a ruler, the leaf is almost 5 inches long. I used the first leaf from the picture above. I also took some pictures of the tree that it came from, is a pretty big tree- imo.

Let me know what you think.


Ruler full size, click here:http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/oak-leaf_ruler_big.jpg
First tree full size, click here:http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/big_tree_full.jpg
Second tree pic full size, click here:http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/big_tree_full_2.jpg

The tree pictures should give you some idea how big this tree is.

John C.

[Tony M]

Heather-
Sounds like you are getting some good info. I live in McKinney and have a near record burr oak in our front yard. It is almost 12 feet around. If you want to see it or need a one foot seedling from the tree, send me a note.
Tony M

[dvz1]

I too have a Burr Oak that grew quickly after the initial planting, but have had recent problems with it.

The leaves are pale green to light yellow and I am getting brown spots the size of a dime on random leaves. They then turn brown all over or just fall off. I have watered it deeply (although not fequently).

I'm wondering if there is an iron deficiency in the black clay soil here in Waxahachie or some other problem like a fungus? There is a Butterfly Bush (thats what my wife calls it) planted about 6-7' away.

Any input would be appreciated.

[ZIPPER]

Need some details:

1] How old and how big?
2] Where is it planted?
3] Where is the root flair? At or below ground level?
4] Do you have it in a plant bed or grass right up to it?
5] Did you hit it with a Weed Trimmer several times?
6] Have you reviewed Howard's Sick Tree Treatment advise?

[dvz1]

4 years old
Trunk 2 1/2" - 3" diameter, almost 11' tall
Root flare slightly below ground level
Grass is up to it, only amendment added in last 3 years is lava sand
Has not been hit with Weed Trimmer

Am working to locate sources for organic components near where I live, but have not treated with anything up to this point. I have a copy of Howard's Treatment Plan and will try again next week to obtain what I need. There has been no change in area around the tree in the past 4 years.

When originally planted I was unfamiliar with organic methods and prepared area by tilling in some peat moss with the native soil in a 3' x 3' square area before planting the tree.

[ZIPPER]

dvz1:

Nice size tree. Don't lose it. Thanks for the details.

I'll suggest removing the grass from around the tree first off. It's competion. Clear an area about 4-5 feet in dia. Clear the flair and add compost there and lightly out to the canopy. Add cedar mulch to the area around the tree but not next to it.

Use a water driven Root Feeder and punch holes into the ground all around the tree. Make holes about 12-18'' deep and 24-36'' apart AFTER you have applied the compost. This will help bring the neutrients to the roots. You can buy or make a root feeder. Details if needed.

Hope you find the stuff you need for the treatment.

[chapster]

Ruler full size, click here:http://www.cleburne.com/~cleburne/oak-leaf_ruler_big.jpg

Just a followup on this post. In my researching, I have determined that the tree is not a Bur Oak, but a post oak. The leaves are similar, but much smaller. I have located a couple of Bur Oak trees in a different area, and the leaves are twice as large, and are a bit different.

As of yet, those trees I find only show a few developing acorns, but I will attempt to get what I can of them.

Thanks,

John C.

[The Ent]

Acorns are a dead giveaway on burr oaks. They're absolutely huge on Burr oaks. Much larger than any other oak.

[sylviagreen]

There are some old old bur oaks in Kiest Park, just along Five Mile Creek.
This is in Oak Cliff:
Take I35 south from downtown Dallas, & go right on Kiest.
Turn left on Rugged Drive.
About 5 or 6 or so blocks down, you'll see a little bridge over Five Mile Creek. Go over the bridge & turn right on Pentagon Parkway & park your car at the curb & walk back toward the creek. You'll know you're in the right place by the huge acorns you step on!
I used to live in that area, & I just loved the big oaks.