Scarlet Oak Tree

Name: Scarlet Oak Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 22656
Price: 97.9 USD
Availability: InStock

Quercus coccinea

Nature Hills Nursery

$97⁹⁰

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this tree plenty of direct sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours a day. While it can handle a little shade, full sun ensures the best growth rate and that brilliant red fall color you bought it for.
Soil: The Scarlet Oak loves well-drained, acidic soil and thrives in sandy or loamy textures. It is surprisingly tolerant of dry, rocky, or poor soils once established, but it struggles in alkaline conditions; if your soil pH is high, you may see yellowing leaves (chlorosis).

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, your tree needs consistent moisture to establish its deep taproot. Water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, ensuring the water penetrates the root ball rather than just wetting the surface. Once established, this oak is quite drought-tolerant and typically only needs supplemental water during long dry spells to prevent stress.

Pruning Tips

You should prune this tree in late winter while it is fully dormant. This timing is critical because fresh cuts during the growing season can attract beetles that carry oak wilt, a serious disease. Focus on removing any dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation and structure, which keeps the tree healthy and strong for years to come.

Fertilizer Needs

Oaks generally do not need heavy feeding, but if growth seems slow, you can apply a granular, acidic fertilizer in early spring. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season (after July), as this can push soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter freeze.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

If you have a dry site and want exceptional fall color...select our beautiful native Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea). This relatively fast-growing Oak will delight you and your family with its open canopy and restful shade.

Increase the value of your property with this thoughtful choice, as Scarlet Oak has one of the best displays among Oak trees. You'll be treated each year with a fiery display ranging from deep bronze to a stunning, scarlet red (depending on the soil conditions).

Summer leaves are six inches long, dark green, and feature c-shaped, deep sinuses. Each tip ends in bristle-tipped lobes because this tree is a close cousin to Pin Oak.

Mast production results in large acorns. This is a wonderful choice to count on in planned food forests and wildlife retreats. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9 and can grow 60 - 70 feet tall and 40 - 50 feet wide at maturity.

With ridged, gray-brown bark, you'll appreciate its sophisticated good looks year-round. Plant one at the southwest corner of your property and you'll reduce your annual cooling costs.

Landscape Application:

Impressive shade trees and wildlife 5-star hotels, these trees cast lush shade and create cool outdoor garden rooms, shaded dining rooms, and seating areas, and perfect for that backyard hammock.

Use several in an informal grouping to achieve a bold band of crimson color each autumn. This tree looks great up close and when seen from a distance. Partner this tree with evergreens and smaller flowering wildlife trees like Linden and Chickasaw Plum. Underplant with Mount Airy Fothergilla and Sweetspire.

Don't forget to wind a path through your nature planting. Add a comfortable seating area to the north of Scarlet Oak for a blissfully cool spot to entertain family and friends. You can also plant several along the street for an eye-catching display. Scarlet Oak features a rounded, full crown that lends a formal feeling to corporate campuses and large residential properties.

Leathery Leaves Feature Large Sinuses & Bristle Tips
Incredibly Vivid Fall Color
Grows Quickly While Young
Open Canopy & Durable, Strong Limbs
Dried Foliage Can Remain On Tree All Winter To Protect Next Year's Leaves
Large Acorns Support Wildlife
Excellent Shade Tree, Acorn Mast for Wildlife & Native Specimen

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Scarlet Oak Trees need full sun locations with plenty of elbow room. Any well-drained soil location with regular moisture access during their first year in the ground is important to get the deep roots established. Provide supplemental moisture during extended drought for young trees but once fully established, Oaks are highly resilient!

A 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the entire root system helps when the acorns drop, keeps soil moisture consistent, and supports the tree in many ways! Prune when dormant in the winter to maintain proper structure and growth when needed.

Need Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Tolerates Periodic Drought Once Established
Prune When Dormant
Low-Maintenance Deciduous Trees!

The Scarlet Oak is an outstanding native choice! Get the brilliant fall color you crave...order today at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Quercus coccinea
Class
- Fagales
Species

coccinea
Growing Zones

4-9
Height

60-70 ft
Width

40-50 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Green
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
Fall Color

Red
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

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Growing Zones 4-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Scarlet Oak appropriate for my planting zone (e.g., zone 4-9)?

Scarlet Oak thrives in USDA zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates from northern regions to warmer southern areas. This native oak handles both cold winters and hot summers well. Check your specific zone to confirm compatibility before planting.

What diseases or pests affect Scarlet Oak, like oak wilt?

Scarlet Oak can be susceptible to oak wilt, anthracnose, and common pests like oak borers and gypsy moths. This hardy native (zones 4-9) generally resists most issues better than non-native oaks. Avoid pruning during spring when oak wilt spreads most easily, and shop disease-resistant specimens at naturehills.com.

Is Scarlet Oak suitable for small yards given its mature size?

Scarlet Oak reaches 60-70 feet tall and 40-50 feet wide at maturity, making it too large for small yards. This native oak needs adequate space to develop its full, rounded crown without crowding structures or other plants. Consider smaller oak varieties or place it only if you have at least 50 feet of clearance.

When and how is the Scarlet Oak shipped, like bare root or potted?

Scarlet Oak trees are typically shipped as potted specimens during the dormant season from late fall through early spring. This timing allows the tree to establish its root system before the growing season begins. Plant immediately upon arrival in zones 4-9 for best establishment results.

Will Scarlet Oak thrive in my urban or street tree location?

Scarlet Oak makes an excellent street tree with its 60-70 foot mature height and tolerance for tough urban conditions. This hardy native thrives in zones 4-9 and actually performs better in drier soils than many oaks. Plant it for long-term shade and spectacular fall color available at naturehills.com.