Live Oak

Name: Live Oak
Brand: Outdoor Dream Builders

Quercus virginiana

A majestic, long-lived shade tree with a massive spreading canopy that transforms large landscapes.

Very cold hardy to about 10°F with excellent heat tolerance, thriving from low to high desert; evergreen.

AMWUA Notes

Moderate water; wide, deep irrigation supports the massive root system.

Care Guide

💧Watering

Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer while young and every 2-3 weeks once established; irrigate the wide root zone deeply.

✂️Pruning

Structural pruning in the first years is critical to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffolds; minimal once mature.

🌱Fertilizing

Light feeding to establish; apply iron for chlorosis in alkaline soils.

🛡️Pests

Generally tough; occasional oak galls or borers, and Texas root rot in poorly drained soil.

☀️Seasonal Notes

Spring catkins carry heavy allergen pollen; evergreen (sheds old leaves in spring) with fall acorns.

🪨Soil

Deep, well-draining loam or amended native soil; tolerates alkaline pH 7.5–8.5 but can show iron chlorosis in caliche

💧Drainage

Needs well-drained soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

Grown from fresh acorns sown in fall; superior forms grafted

📐Spacing

30–50 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

Massive spreading root system; keep 25–30 ft from pools, foundations, and hardscape

•Massive 50 ft spread makes this an estate or large-lot tree only; give it 25-30 ft from foundations, pools, and hardscape.
•Roots and leaf and acorn litter are substantial, so plan the location as a permanent commitment.
•Water deeply across a wide root zone to support the spreading canopy.
•Full sun; long-lived, so site it once and for good.