Pin Oak Tree

Quercus palustris

Nature Hills Nursery

Fast-Growing Pin Oak Reaches Mature Shade in Years, Not Decades
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 60-80 ft Tall, 40-50 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies

$134⁰³

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Plant Size

#3 Container 3-4 Feet #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Pin Oaks require full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Providing maximum light ensures the tree develops its characteristic symmetrical, pyramidal shape and prevents the lower branches from thinning out prematurely.
Soil: These trees prefer moist, acidic, and well drained soils. If you have alkaline or heavy clay soil, the leaves may turn yellow (chlorosis), so it is helpful to incorporate elemental sulfur or peat moss at planting to keep the pH levels in check.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the deep taproot settle. Once mature, Pin Oaks are moderately drought tolerant but prefer consistent moisture; if left too dry for too long, you will notice smaller leaves and a thinner canopy. In periods of extreme summer heat, a deep soaking once every two weeks helps the tree maintain its vigor and vibrant green color.

Pruning Tips

Pin Oaks naturally develop a "layered" look with lower branches that hang down, middle branches that stay horizontal, and top branches that point upward. Only prune in the dormant winter months to prevent the spread of pests or diseases like Oak Wilt. Think of pruning as a structural tune up where you only remove the lowest drooping branches if they obstruct a walkway or mower path.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a specialized "acid loving" plant food in early spring before the new buds break. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in the late fall because this encourages soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first hard freeze. Using a specialized formula ensures the tree can easily absorb iron, which prevents the leaves from looking pale and sickly.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

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, Fast-growing, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	60-80 ft
Width	40-50 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow, Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Oak
Botanical Name	Quercus palustris
Species	palustris
Class	Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Popular Pin Oak Fast-Growing Shade Tree

Dark Green Leaves in Summer
Brilliant Red Fall Display
Hardy and Adaptable
Important Wildlife Tree in Food Forests
Can Tolerate Wet Soil
Native to North America

One of the most popular Northern Oaks, the Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is a fast-growing shade tree, especially while young. Pin Oak grows about 24 inches a year and becomes an elegant shade tree.

The Pin Oak has a lot of admirable qualities, but honestly. That incredible fall color pretty much seals the deal, doesn’t it? The gleaming dark green leaves of summer turn a deep range of russet, bronze, and barn red.

Pin Oak tree in autumn works so beautifully as an accent for harvest season.

You’ll love the Pin Oak's leaves larger, U-shaped opening between the lobes and bristle tips. This distinguishes it from other Northern Oak trees and grants it a unique appearance.

The summer leaves cast a dense, delicious shade. As beautiful as the Pin Oak tree is all summer long, autumn brings even more appeal. The Pin Oak tree is highly prized for its brilliant fall display of red and deep-bronze color. The outstanding color lasts for nearly a month.

After fall color, the Pin Oaks leaves will persist on the tree often through winter unless blown off by heavy winter storms. Like all Oaks, the bark is particularly attractive.

The Pin Oak has a significant presence in the landscape, especially in winter. The highest branches are held upright. Below that, the thick middle branches are horizontal, and the lowest branches hang down, sweeping away from the trunk. Over time, the downturned lower branches become pendulous and will sway in the slightest breeze.

Of special note are the tough little branchlets that cover the limbs. Farmers used these branchlets to “pin together” the beams of their barns. Hence, the name Pin Oak.

In America today, the Pin Oak trees remains one of the most popular Oak trees. It’s used for street trees to shade an avenue. Lower limbs are kept pruned back to the main trunk for street trees.

Urban tree planners use Pin Oaks to create grove settings in parks. Forestry teams use them in diversified plantings. Of course, they are also a popular shade tree for the home landscape.

It’s a good idea to give this wonderful tree enough elbow room to grow into the magnificent, tall specimen it wants to be. Choose a sunny spot for Pin Oak tree and you'll be amazed how quickly it graces your home with shade and beauty. Order today!

How to Use Pin Oak Tree in the Landscape

The Pin Oak tree is one of the most popular of the Northern Oaks. No wonder! It is prized for the beauty of its symmetrical pyramid shape and its incredible fall color.

It would look great as a central focal point in your yard. Or, consider planting one on the south or west side of your home to provide relief from the summer sun.

Give it plenty of room to spread out to appreciate its shape and form. In a large landscape, consider running a row along a fence. Or, plant a row on either side of a long driveway for a marvelous arrival experience at your property. Plant them 18 feet apart on center, measuring from trunk to trunk.

If we tell you that one of the nicknames for this tree is Swamp Oak, can you imagine where you may be able to utilize it? Rain Gardens are a great place to showcase this tree. You’ll capture and filter rainwater runoff in a beautiful way with Pin Oak in the Mesic – or Middle Zone.

After roughly 20 years, the Pin Oak produces an annual crop of small, round brown acorns with a thin cap that are eagerly eaten by a wide variety of animals. Watch as Mallard and Wood ducks take a break from their fall migration to visit the tree. Deer, Wild Turkeys and Squirrels may also stop in to provide a show for your enjoyment.

You’ll draw wildlife by planting this tree in your food plot. Acorns are edible for humans, too. They must be carefully processed to remove tannins and should not be eaten raw. A site in full sun is best for canopy grown and acorn mast production.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Little or no maintenance is needed to the Pin Oak once it is established. When young, prune up lower limbs to create space and keep limbs off the ground.

The adaptable Pin Oak is adapted to a wide range of soil types and can tolerate of wet soils and brief periods of drought. Even if you have poor soil, the Pin Oak will thrive.as long as the pH is under 6.5. Feed it Dr. Earth Acid Lover’s Organic and Natural Premium Fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.

With shallow, fibrous root systems, the Pin Oak is tolerant of transplanting. It needs plenty of summer water. In times of extreme heat, give it extra water. It is found on Firescaping plant lists throughout the Midwest.

Order this magnificent American treasure today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Pin oaks are excellent additions to any landscape, joining our collection of reliable shade trees and fast growing trees that provide years of beauty and function. As native plants, they're naturally adapted to local conditions and support wildlife throughout the seasons. Browse our full selection of trees to find the perfect companions, and check out our guide on Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring for additional landscaping ideas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do pin oak trees grow?

Pin Oak trees grow approximately 24 inches per year, making them one of the faster-growing shade trees, especially when young. This rapid growth rate allows them to quickly establish as elegant shade trees in the landscape. Expect excellent growth in moist, well-draining soil with full sun exposure.

How big do pin oak trees get?

Pin Oak trees typically reach 60-70 feet tall and 25-40 feet wide at maturity. They grow rapidly at about 24 inches per year when young, then slow as they mature. Give them plenty of space to accommodate their distinctive branching habit with upright top branches and gracefully drooping lower limbs.

How far apart to plant pin oak trees?

Pin oaks need 40-60 feet of spacing since they grow into large shade trees with wide-spreading canopies. These fast-growing oaks can add 24 inches annually and develop distinctive drooping lower branches that require room to sweep naturally. Plan for their mature size of 60-70 feet tall and wide when selecting planting locations.

Do deer eat pin oak acorns?

Yes, deer readily eat pin oak acorns and consider them a preferred food source. Pin oaks are valuable wildlife trees that support deer, squirrels, and many bird species through their acorn production. Plant your pin oak in areas where you want to attract wildlife or use deer deterrents if protection is needed.

What type of soil conditions does a Pin Oak prefer?

Pin Oak tolerates wet soil conditions better than most oak species, making it adaptable to various sites. This native North American tree thrives in moist, well-draining soils but handles poorly drained areas where other oaks struggle. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile shade tree.

Pin Oak Tree

Quercus palustris