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Northern Pin Oak Tree

Quercus ellipsoidalis

Regular price $6852
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Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Drought resistant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, and Non-invasive

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Quercus ellipsoidalis
  • Height
    50-60 ft
  • Width
    40-45 ft
  • Growing Zones
    4-7
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Green
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Fall Color
    Red
  • Native
    Yes
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring, Late Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, CA, FL, HI, ID, LA, MT, OR

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This tree demands full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct, unfiltered light every day to maintain a strong central leader and dense canopy. If planted in partial shade, the tree will likely become sparse, reach for light, and lose its desirable symmetrical shape.
  • Soil: Northern Pin Oaks prefer well-drained, acidic soil and tolerate sandy or dry textures far better than many other oak species. However, avoid planting in highly alkaline soils, as this can prevent the tree from absorbing iron and cause the leaves to turn yellow (chlorosis).

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water deeply and consistently to encourage the taproot to grow down rather than sideways. Once the root system is established, this oak is quite drought-tolerant and handles dry spells well. Inconsistent watering during the establishment phase often results in stunted growth and leaf scorch during the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

You must prune this tree only during the dormant season, specifically in late winter before the buds swell. Pruning during the active growing season releases sap that attracts beetles carrying the deadly Oak Wilt fungus. Remove any lower branches that interfere with mowing or walking, and clear out dead or crossing limbs to improve airflow through the canopy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular tree fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the tree's root zone late in the growing season, as this pushes soft, new growth that will be damaged by the first winter freeze.

While "exciting" or "pizazz" may not be the first words you think of when picking out an Oak, the Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) is happy to change your mind! This Oak is known for its dense wood and thrives in poor soil and shade. When it comes to Oaks, this one has more character too!

The Northern Pin Oak's leaves are a deep glossy green with deep, sharp lobes that terminate on pointed tips. As the Northern Pin Oak grows, it will fill in more and more for a dense rounded form with broad outstretching branches.

Choose a spot where you can admire your Northern Pin Oak in fall when its leaves blush to a deep red! Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 7, these are fantastic Native trees for the cold Northern winters! Like many Oaks, Pin Oak keeps its dried leaves over the winter to protect next year's leaf buds.

Landscape Application:

The Pin Oak has a more airy and light appearance than Red Oaks but still offers prestige and plenty of shade! This tree grows taller than many other Oak varieties and has remarkable drought tolerance once established.

This tree does well as a large front yard planting that will add curb appeal and shade your home or as a dense shade tree for the backyard. Create groupings that will benefit wildlife and you during the summer heat! Perfect for outdoor dining rooms and seating areas, a shaded reading nook, or a place to watch the leaves turn deep red around the fire pit!

This handsome Oak also goes by the names Hill's Oak, Jack Oak, and Yellow Oak! As for acorns, you won't have to worry about those for another fifteen to twenty years. It doesn't produce until it reaches its second decade. That doesn't mean the wildlife won't visit your tree to nest in its strong limbs and dense protection from the elements!

  • Fine-Textured Sharp Lobed Leaves
  • Dense Rounded Canopy & Broad Spread
  • Acorns For Wildlife In 15-20 Years
  • Bright Red Fall Color - Younger Trees Can Keep Leaves All Winter
  • Fantastic Shade Trees, Specimens & Groupings

#ProPlantTips for Care

Easy care Oak Trees need a full sun location for your tree to do best in the long run, but young trees can handle a bit of shade. As for soil, your Northern Pin Oak doesn't mind clay, sand, or any type as long as it is well-drained and won't get soggy.

Provide new trees with regular deep waterings to establish that deep root system which is better at tolerating drought. Top-dress the root zone with 3-4 inches of arborist mulch and prune your tree to correct its growth in the late winter!

  • Full Sun (Some Shade When Young)
  • Well-Drained Soil
  • Moderate Moisture - Drought Tolerant Once Established
  • Prune When Dormant
  • Very Cold-Hardy Native Trees!

A tall Native Pin Oak variety with great prestige! Order your own new magnificent shade and wildlife tree today at Nature Hills and we'll ship you a well-rooted tree that is ready to take off in your landscape!

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