Bur Oak Tree

Name: Bur Oak Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 18505
Price: 63.59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.84 (19 reviews)

Quercus macrocarpa

Massive Native Burr Oak Grows Fast and Thrives in Drought, Living 300+ Years
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 70-100 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies

$63⁵⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Clay Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	70-100 ft
Width	70-100 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Native	Yes
Native To	Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming +24 moreshow less * Browse only. We cannot ship live plants to Montana.
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Oak
Botanical Name	Quercus macrocarpa
Species	macrocarpa
Class	Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Leave a Mighty Legacy, Plant Native Bur Oak

If you have the space and want to make an enormous visual impact in your landscape, leave your mark for future generations by planting the spectacular Bur Oak Tree (Quercus macrocarpa). This tree is an outstanding ornamental specimen. Bur Oak is impressive, to say the least. Its coarse, rugged, rounded outline delivers a strong character in the landscape.

Bur Oak is a wonderful deciduous native with a wide-spreading crown which can attain a massive overall size in open areas. Consider it the northern answer to the Southern Live Oak with its gravitas and charm. In a forest setting, the trunk will soar straight, and the canopy will be higher.

These stately trees typically live for hundreds of years! A member of the White Oak group, this massive tree is native to the eastern United States and can be found all along the muddy Missouri River valley of North America. But Bur Oak will grow beautifully from Alaska to Texas, further proof of its mighty strength.

As you might imagine, it’s tolerant of a variety of soil and water conditions. It also adapts well to urban settings. Such a wide regional disbursement also brings plenty of nicknames. It is sometimes spelled Burr Oak and is also called Mossycup Oak because of its unique capped acorn.

From spring to summer the Bur Oak flaunts its distinctive, lobed, shiny and deep green leaves. The leaves are large, sometimes getting to be 8 or 10 inches long and they have 5-9 rounded lobes of varying size.

Each characteristic leaf usually has a pair of very deeply indented areas that almost reach the midrib of the leaf. Leathery foliage remains shiny dark green during the growing season and fall color is a pleasing mix of russet brown and yellow.

Bur Oak is an investment in our shared future. It produces the largest acorns of all North American Oaks that feature a mossy scale or bur near the rim. The Latin species name 'macrocarpa' translates to large fruit.

These acorns are an invaluable mast resource for wildlife food such as squirrels, birds, ducks and deer. Use in planned food forests. But please note that young trees may not begin producing acorns for 30 years or more. The large, fringed capped, yellow-brown, Bur Oak acorns develop on mature plants from elegant spring catkin flowers.

Young bark on the twigs can have a corky ridge, much like you see on a Burning Bush twig. The bark on the main trunk and larger branches is very deeply incised and characteristically coarse and slightly interlaced.

This is bark that adds winter interest to your landscape. It begs for children to run their hands along its fascinating length.

There may be no better memorial tree to celebrate the life of a loved one than a Bur Oak. Plant one upon the birth of a child, or as a special way to mark the start of a new household or marriage.

Bur Oak is truly one of our finest national treasure trees. Plant it with pride, and order from the experts at Nature Hills. We take special care with all of our plants, but Bur Oak is one of our staff favorites. Order today!

How to Use Bur Oak in the Landscape

Carefully consider your planting site when establishing a new Bur Oak. The wide-spreading, large size of this long-lived tree makes an ideal specimen shade tree for large, open, windy locations.

For large property owners with big open areas, consider planting your own Oak Savanna. Savannas are grassy areas with a sprinkling of Oak trees loosely spaced.

Use an informal grouping of 2, 3, 5 or even 7 plants. Vary the spacing between plants from 50 to 20 feet apart and avoid using a straight line for the most natural looking planting. Create a few loosely triangular groups, using an odd number of plants. Leave space for a wilderness path between groups.

We recommend setting out your container trees in your landscape first before digging your holes. Take time to study each tree in order to finalize a design that makes the most of your land contours and elevations. Turn the containers 360 degrees, so you can study all the angles of your trees. It's a momentous occasion to plant Bur Oaks, after all! Enjoy the process.

Trees that are planted closer together will combine their large, wide-spreading canopies into one big common head. It’s a wonderful look, just like you might see in nature.

Bur Oak is a great tree to include in your shelterbelts and windbreaks because of their tough, maintenance-free nature. They are highly resistant to wind and ice damage. Plant 10 - 18 feet apart on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

Use in food forests with Red Oak and Pin Oaks to feed wildlife. Include Chickasaw Plum thickets, Redosier and Viburnum shrubs.

Municipalities love to include Bur Oaks in wide boulevards and in parks because they are long-lived. Follow their lead and use a specimen tree in your lawn. You’ll never regret the choice.

Enormous Native White Oak
Long Lived - Up To 400 Years
Valuable Wood
Spreads Broad & Wide in Open Areas
Grows Straight With A High Canopy in Forests
Leathery, Smooth Lobed Dark Green Leaves
Red Fall Color & Dried Leaves Remain On Tree Until Spring
Marvelously Textured Bark
Excellent Tree for Shelterbelts & Windbreaks
Wind Tolerant Tree Seldom Sees Ice Damage
Magnificent Specimen Tree
Large Acorns Attract Wildlife
Once Established, Growth Rate is Faster Than You Think

#ProPlantTips for Care

Like many trees, Bur Oak prefers a moist, well-drained soil for best results – but know too that it tolerates clay soils, dry soils, and drought very well. They even tolerate short periods of extremely wet soils and are many times suggested for use in Rain Gardens. They love the river bottom soils in the Midwest and northern regions well up into Canada.

Give young Bur Oak trees a moderate amount of water on a regular basis to keep them stress free. It will thrive in full sun. Once your new Bur Oak gets established in your native soil, you will find that it does grow much faster than you think. Established Oaks exhibit excellent vigor.

Oaks are best pruned during the winter dormant period. The best time is usually January and February, well before they start to come out of dormancy.

As with all trees, it is important not to plant your Bur Oak too deeply. Instead, plant it at the same depth it was growing in the nursery container.

Full Sun Tree
Very Adaptable To Any Well-Drained Soil Types
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs - Drought Tolerant Once Established
Prune When Dormant
Very Low Maintenance

This beautiful, rugged tree will bring wildlife to your yard and last for many generations. Bur Oak is one of the original dominant trees of North America. Order yours today and rebuild our precious natural resources!

Other Oak varieties

Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor

(15)

Regular price $63⁶⁴
Pin Oak Tree
Quercus palustris

(25)

Regular price From $97⁹⁰
Northern Pin Oak Tree
Quercus ellipsoidalis

Regular price $134⁰³
Northern Red Oak Tree
Quercus rubra

(29)

Regular price $97⁹⁰
White Oak Tree
Quercus alba

(1)

Regular price $97⁹⁰
Scarlet Oak Tree
Quercus coccinea

(1)

Regular price $97⁹⁰
Chinkapin Oak Tree
Quercus muehlenbergii

(4)

Regular price $118⁵³

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Was surprised at size

We were expecting much smaller trees based on the information on the website. They are 4-5 feet tall. They have been planted since last Sunday, July 19 and are doing well so far. We watered each evening after sun was lower and have watered each evening since planting. There were a few leaves that were dry but we have a lot of new growth appearing. So far I am pleased with their progress.

Bur Oaks at 4 to 5 feet is a solid start, and it sounds like you hit the ground running with your watering routine. Evening watering during establishment is exactly the right call, especially for a mid-July planting. A few dry leaves after transplant is normal as the tree redirects its energy into the roots, so that new growth you're seeing is a great sign. Thanks for the update, Kathie, and good luck with them this season.

Good looking trees

I ordered 5 Bur oak trees, four are doing awesome and look great, hopefully the fifth will snap out and start looking better. I bought these to put in my pasture which is 28 acres, can't wait to see them grow

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that four of your Bur oak trees are thriving and looking great—that’s wonderful news. It’s perfectly natural for one tree to take a little more time to adjust, especially when planted in a larger pasture like yours. Keeping it well-watered and protected from wildlife can really help it gain strength. If you notice any specific issues or want tailored care tips, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help your trees flourish.

We love hearing stories like yours and can’t wait for you to watch your pasture transform with these beautiful trees over the years.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Good looking trees

Hi James,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Bur oak trees you ordered! It’s wonderful to hear that four of them are thriving and adding beauty to your pasture. We understand how disappointing it can be when one doesn’t quite meet expectations yet, but take heart—Bur oaks are resilient and sometimes need a little extra care early on to really flourish.

You might consider checking that the fifth sapling is getting just the right balance of sunlight, moisture, and protection from strong winds or pests, as these can sometimes impact establishment. If you’d like, we can also guide you on troubleshooting or best practices for nurturing your burden oak trees during this early growth period—feel free to reach out anytime.

We’re genuinely excited for you and look forward to seeing those trees make your 28-acre pasture a beautiful, shade-filled space as they mature!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Wow!

I had tried many trees in my garden before finally finding the Bur Oak. It is definitly the tree everyone needs to have for their yard or garden.

Hello Yvette,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Bur Oak! We’re delighted to hear that it has been the perfect addition to your garden after trying many different trees. The Bur Oak certainly deserves a special place in yards and gardens; its majestic stature and resilience make it a timeless favorite.

If you’re interested in getting the most out of your tree’s growth, be sure to keep an eye on watering deeply during dry spells and consider adding mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots. If you ever need tips on care or wish to explore companion plants that thrive alongside oaks, we’re always here to assist.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Our MIghty Burr Oak's

I am so in love with these trees. Try them if you have the space. They keep my home sheltered and shaded.

Hello Lady D.,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with your mighty Bur Oak trees! It’s wonderful to hear how they are shielding and shading your home – those grand oaks truly are champions when it comes to providing both beauty and protection. If ever you’re interested in tips for keeping them thriving—such as optimal watering schedules or pruning advice—we're happy to help. Also, keeping mulch around the base can conserve moisture and encourage healthy root growth.

We’re so glad your trees are thriving in your space and hope they continue to bring you joy for years to come!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Awesome!

I have had a Bur Oak in my yard for 20 years and its still going strong. I love this tree! Its so pretty in all seasons. Get a Bur Oak!

Hello Georgie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Bur Oak tree! It’s truly inspiring to hear that your tree has thrived for 20 years and continues to beautify your yard throughout the seasons. Bur Oaks are indeed magnificent, offering both strength and elegant charm, and your endorsement truly highlights their longevity and versatility.

If you ever want tips on keeping your Bur Oak healthy or ideas for complementary plants that thrive in similar conditions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have some great resources on deep watering techniques and pest management that can help ensure your tree continues to flourish for many more years.

Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation—it’s customers like you that make our work so rewarding!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Big Bad Bur

After looking at pictures of this Bur Oak, well... its MASSIVE!!! Man, I live in a suberban area and I have saved up my money and I am planning to buy one. One thing for sure though is that I completely agree with a Bur Oak in a big garden but definetely unsuitable for a small one!

Hello Estelle,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful reflections on the Bur Oak Tree! We’re thrilled to hear how inspired you are by its impressive size—truly, the Bur Oak is a magnificent tree that makes a bold statement in larger spaces. You’ve absolutely nailed it: while its grandeur makes it perfect for expansive gardens, it might feel a little overwhelming in smaller yards.

If you decide to move forward with your purchase, choosing a location where the tree can spread its roots and canopy freely will help it thrive beautifully. Also, considering its size, providing ample space for proper growth will not only benefit the tree but also help you avoid any future maintenance concerns.

Should you need assistance with planning or want advice on complementary plants suitable for your garden space as you prepare to welcome your Bur Oak tree, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every root of the way!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Acorns

The burr oak was the largest tree on my Grandfathers farm. I can still remember the huge acorns. Mine is still too young to produce acorns.

Hello Corny,

Thank you so much for sharing your cherished memories of the burr oak on your grandfather’s farm—what a wonderful connection to have! It’s heartwarming to hear of the large acorns you remember; bur oaks truly can grow magnificent.

Since your tree is still young, it might take several years before it begins producing acorns, sometimes up to 20–50 years depending on the tree’s growing conditions and health. To help your bur oak thrive and establish strong growth, ensure it receives full sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional deep watering during dry spells. Mulching around the base can also conserve moisture and protect roots.

If you'd like, we can provide more detailed care tips or recommend the best soil amendments to keep your bur oak healthy as it matures. Feel free to reach out anytime—sharing in your tree’s journey is a joy for us!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Acorns

The burr oak was the largest tree on my Grandfathers farm. I can still remember the huge acorns. Mine is still too young to produce acorns.

Dear Corny,

Thank you so much for sharing your meaningful reflection on the burr oak tree—it’s truly special to hear about such a treasured family connection. Bur oak trees can grow for many years before they begin producing acorns, so your young tree is just starting its own journey toward becoming a stately presence like that cherished tree on your Grandfather’s farm.

To support its health and future acorn production, make sure your bur oak is planted in full sun with well-draining soil and has regular watering especially during dry periods. Patience is key with oaks—they reward attentive care with long-lasting beauty and strength.

If you ever want tips on caring for your bur oak or resources on nurturing young trees, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your little oak grow strong and proud!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Tough tree

The Bur Oak can take the weather our great plains can throw at it. It is very tolerant of the elements.

Dear Plains guy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Bur Oak tree! We're delighted to hear how well it stands up to the challenging conditions of the Great Plains. The Bur Oak is indeed a resilient species, perfectly suited for tough environments, and it’s wonderful to know it’s thriving in your care.

If you’re interested, Bur Oak trees also benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells and mulching to protect the roots in extreme temperature fluctuations. This can help maintain its health long-term and support growth through all seasons. Should you want any further advice on monitoring or pruning, we’re always here to help!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Tough tree

The Bur Oak can take the weather our great plains can throw at it. It is very tolerant of the elements.

Dear Plains G.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Bur Oak Tree! We’re delighted to hear that it’s proving to be such a resilient and sturdy choice for the challenging weather conditions of the Great Plains. The Bur Oak truly is a remarkable tree, known for its toughness and adaptability—making it an excellent addition to landscapes requiring durability along with beauty.

If you ever need tips on care or ways to help it thrive even more, like mulching to conserve moisture or occasional deep watering during dry spells, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way in nurturing your tough-to-beat green companion!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Bur Oaks are Great

I grew up in a wooded area southwest of Minneapolis. There were many Bur Oaks growing in the meadows and woods, and they were always my favorite tree. They have a gnarled bark quality that differs from the smoother White and Pin Oaks. The Bur Oak is a tree for those looking for a distinctive, rugged quality in a tree. The leaves turn a beautiful golden in autumn.

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful reflections on Bur Oaks! It’s wonderful to hear how these majestic trees from your childhood landscape southwest of Minneapolis continue to capture your appreciation. We couldn’t agree more—their uniquely gnarled bark and rugged character truly set them apart from other oaks like the White and Pin oaks. And their autumnal golden leaves really do add such heartwarming seasonal beauty.

If you’re planning to plant more Bur Oaks or care for saplings you already have, we’d be happy to help with tips on establishing them in your space. They generally prefer full sun and well-drained soils and benefit from a good mulch layer to retain moisture. A little patient nurturing goes a long way with these sturdy trees that reward you by growing strong roots and providing good shelter and shade over time.

Thanks again for your wonderful review, Mark. Your fond memories highlight exactly why Bur Oaks are a treasure to cultivate!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Bur Oaks are Great

Hello Mark M.,

Thank you so much for sharing your personal connection to Bur Oak trees and for your thoughtful review! It’s wonderful to hear how these graceful, gnarled beauties from your childhood landscape southwest of Minneapolis continue to capture your admiration. You’ve truly painted a vivid picture of what makes the Bur Oak so special—from its distinctive bark to that brilliant golden foliage in autumn.

If you’re looking to plant Bur Oaks in your current landscape, remember they thrive best in full sun and can tolerate a variety of soils, including those with occasional wetness, thanks to their adaptability. For the rugged aesthetic you appreciate, Bur Oaks are indeed an excellent choice and can become a stunning focal point over time.

If you ever want tips on keeping your Bur Oak healthy—like proper watering during establishment, occasional mulch seasons, or preventative care against common pests—please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to help your trees grow strong and vibrant.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Mr.

I planted a Bur Oak in my side yard 19 years ago and it is beautiful now. Plant your tree in open space where it can grow to size and it will do well. Once a catipillar worm nest was found in my tree and remove quickly has been the only problem. The tree is healthy and does this all by itself as far as growing and looking good.

Hello Mr. Roberts,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your delightful experience with your Bur Oak tree! It’s wonderful to hear that your tree, planted 19 years ago, has grown so beautifully and remains healthy. Your insight about giving it plenty of open space is spot-on and invaluable advice for anyone looking to grow this majestic species.

Catsipillar nests can definitely be a challenge, but it sounds like you handled it promptly and effectively. For others facing similar issues, we recommend regular monitoring during the growing season and consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs or using safe horticultural oils to manage pests in an environmentally friendly way.

We truly appreciate your wisdom and enthusiasm — stories like yours inspire gardeners everywhere!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Mr.

Dear Mike,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Bur Oak tree! It’s truly inspiring to hear how beautifully it has thrived over the past 19 years, and your tip about planting in an open space where it can grow freely is such valuable advice for fellow gardeners. We’re glad you were able to spot and remove the caterpillar nest promptly—that proactive mindset really makes a big difference in keeping trees healthy.

If you’re ever curious about organic pest control methods or preventative care to keep your tree vigorous for many more years to come, we’d be happy to provide information or resources. Bur Oaks are magnificent trees, and it’s a joy to hear yours is doing so well mostly on its own!

Thanks again for your feedback and for being part of our plant community.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Wow!

I had tried many trees in my garden before finally finding the Bur Oak. It is definitly the tree everyone needs to have for their yard or garden.

Hi Yvette,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with our Bur Oak tree! We’re thrilled to hear that you found the perfect addition for your garden after trying so many different trees. The Bur Oak is indeed a majestic and resilient choice, known for its shade, stunning fall color, and adaptability, making it a fantastic yard centerpiece.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our care tips on watering deep but infrequently and mulching to retain moisture and protect the roots, which really help encourage strong growth. Bur Oaks are also great for supporting local wildlife, so it’s a rewarding tree in many ways!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you'd like advice on companion plantings or how to maintain it through the seasons — we’re happy to help.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Big Bad Bur

Hi Estelle,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about the Bur Oak Tree! We absolutely agree—it’s truly a majestic, massive tree that loves plenty of room to really thrive. You're right on point about its suitability for larger gardens; bur oaks develop impressive root systems and broad canopies that need space to shine without feeling cramped.

If you're planning to incorporate your Bur Oak in your suburban garden, we recommend considering the mature size and providing ample space to ensure it grows strong and healthy over the years. It might also help to think about spacing relative to any nearby structures or underground utilities to avoid potential issues as it grows. We're happy to provide guidance on soil preparation, watering, and storm-resistant care tips if you'd like.

We're thrilled you're excited about this iconic tree and commend your careful planning efforts! Feel free to reach out anytime for advice or resources—nature’s beauty deserves thoughtful cultivation.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Our MIghty Burr Oak's

I am so in love with these trees. Try them if you have the space. They keep my home sheltered and shaded.

Dear Lady Di,

Thank you so much for sharing your love for your mighty Burr Oaks! It’s wonderful to hear how these majestic trees are providing shade and shelter for your home. Their deep roots and strong canopies truly make them a perfect choice for those with enough space to let them thrive.

If you’re ever looking to further nurture your Bur Oaks, make sure they get plenty of water in dry periods, especially in their early years, and they’ll reward you with strong, healthy growth for decades to come. Should you ever want tips on maintaining or protecting your trees, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re always here to help!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Awesome!

I have had a Bur Oak in my yard for 20 years and its still going strong. I love this tree! Its so pretty in all seasons. Get a Bur Oak!

Dear Georgie,

Thank you so much for sharing your joyful experience with your Bur Oak! We’re thrilled to hear your tree has thrived in your yard for 20 years and continues to bring you beauty through every season. There’s something truly special about the resilience and timeless charm of Bur Oaks—they really are a fantastic choice for any landscape.

If you ever need tips on keeping your oak healthy or enhancing its appearance, feel free to reach out! Mulching to retain moisture, ensuring good airflow around the base, and periodically checking for pests can all help your tree continue flourishing for many more years. We appreciate you spreading the word about these wonderful trees—it helps other gardeners find rewarding planting options too.

Happy growing,

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones are suitable for growing Bur Oak trees?

Bur Oak trees thrive in USDA zones 3-8, with exceptional cold tolerance extending their range from Alaska to Texas. This native oak adapts to diverse climates and soil conditions, making it suitable for most northern and central regions. Plant in fall for best establishment in your zone.

How tall and wide will a mature Bur Oak tree grow?

Mature Bur Oak trees can reach 70-80 feet tall with an equally wide spread of 70-80 feet, creating a massive canopy. These long-lived natives develop their full impressive size over decades. Plan for plenty of space when planting this spectacular specimen available at naturehills.com.

How fast does Bur Oak grow per year?

Bur Oak grows slowly to moderately, typically 12-24 inches per year when young, slowing with age. This native giant invests energy in developing its massive root system and sturdy structure rather than rapid height gain. Be patient - you're planting for centuries, not seasons.

How is the Bur Oak tree packaged for shipping?

Bur Oak trees are shipped as bare root or potted specimens depending on size and season. Smaller trees typically arrive in containers, while larger specimens may come bare root during dormant season. Check your specific order for packaging details and plant immediately upon arrival for best establishment.

Is Bur Oak susceptible to any common diseases or pests?

Bur Oak is remarkably resistant to most diseases and pests, which contributes to its centuries-long lifespan. Its tough, leathery foliage and adaptability to various conditions make it naturally hardy. Occasional issues like oak wilt or borers may occur in stressed trees, so ensure proper watering and spacing when planting your Bur Oak from naturehills.com.

How cold hardy is Bur Oak and can it survive harsh winters?

Bur Oak is exceptionally cold hardy, thriving from Alaska to Texas across a massive range of climates. This native oak's legendary toughness allows it to withstand brutal winters throughout the northern United States. Plant it confidently in harsh winter zones for a tree that will outlast generations.

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Bur Oak Tree

Quercus macrocarpa