Revised

Red oak (Quercus borealis)

Large trees
  • Maximum height
    70 feet
  • Relative growth rate
    Good
  • Freedom from insect pests
    Good
  • Freedom from disease problems
    Good
  • Resistance to storm damage
    Excellent
  • Will grow on poorly drained soil
    Good
  • Will grow in hot, dry areas
    Good
  • Easy to transplant
    Poor
  • Withstands city conditions
    Good

Red oak is one of the fastest growing of all the oaks. It develops into a large, broad, round-topped tree with a deep red fall color. It withstands city conditions, has a clean habit of growth and makes one of our best street and shade trees.

Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea)

Large trees

Scarlet oak is very similar to red oak. Few people can tell the two species apart. As far as the landscape is concerned, they can be considered as the same.