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| Willow oak (Photo by Allen Owinsg) |
This is the ideal time of year for planting shade trees in Louisiana.
Oaks are one of our most popular landscape trees. Almost everyone is familiar with the Southern live oak, but we have an abundance of other oak trees – largely deciduous – that are recommended for Louisiana. The willow oak (Quercus phellos) has been named a Louisiana Super Plant.
Deciduous oaks – those that lose foliage in winter – common in Louisiana are water oak, shumard oak, Southern red oak and willow oak.
Willow oak is a slow- to moderate-growing oak with finer-textured foliage and makes a very nice landscape tree. Widely used in commercial and residential landscapes throughout Louisiana, willow oaks are adaptable to many soil types. Most oaks, including willow, prefer a slightly acidic soil pH.
Willow oaks have a moderate growth rate and an average mature height of 60 feet. Spread will be about 30-40 feet at maturity. The canopy is great for street plantings and where a columnar, tighter-growing oak is needed.
The foliage is a unique characteristic of the willow oak – fine textured. Leaf litter debris is not a major concern.
November through January is a great time to plant a tree!
Allen Owings
Rick Bogren