Scarlet Oak

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LimeyLisa Princeton, IL(Zone 5a) Jun 16, 2003

I need a new tree. The 90+ year old Norwegian Maple in my back yard is half dead and needs to come down. I just bought my house in December and couldn't tell and had planned to put in a hosta garden under it. I would love an oak tree, but I know they take forever. Found info on a Scarlet Oak which said for an Oak Tree it was a fast grower. Anyone know what "fast" for an Oak Tree is? Is there an Oak that doesn't produce acorns? I will probably get something else that will give me shade faster as well as a tree that will really be for the "next" generation, not me! I've always loved River Birch which was in my last yard and over the 7 years that I lived there got quite big.

Hope someone can help!

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Pardancanda "down the Shore", NJ(Zone 7a) Jun 21, 2003

Wish I could help. I will say maples are difficult to garden under, as they have shallow feeder roots that give the other plants competition for food and moisture. I do have a hosta garden under my silver maple, but it is an ongoing challenge. I seem to recall oaks are deeply rooted, and better for underplanting. Great that you are thinking ahead for the next generation!

Post #561961
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LimeyLisa Princeton, IL(Zone 5a) Jun 23, 2003

You are right about the roots. I put a hosta garden under my Norwegian Maple in the front yard and it looks great, but what a root system! Won't have the money to remove the maple in the back for a couple months but am hoping that by the time I do, I will have made a decision!

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golddog Western, PA(Zone 6a) Jun 27, 2003

We have several scarlet oaks in town. All are mature. Very tall and thick. Beautiful specimens. Remember an instructor saying the tree drops all its leaves in the fall, as compared to the pin oak dropping the leaves throughout the winter into spring. But I can't vouch for this happening.

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Pardancanda "down the Shore", NJ(Zone 7a) Jun 27, 2003

Good point, golddog, some oaks do hold their dead amd brown leaves all winter, can be unsightly. Something to consider when choosing a tree.

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