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| Sawtooth Oaks in February |
Sawtooth
Oak
Quercus
acutissima
Mature
Height: 30-50 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements: Full sun
Foliage: Deciduous, long slender (4"-6"), alternate
leaves
with serrated edges, turns yellow in fall and brown in
winter (leaves usually remain on tree throughout winter)
Flower/Fruit: Acorns appear after 4-6 years
Hardy to Zone 5
The
back of my house faces west and I had no shade to help block the
blazing summer sun. To make matters worse, there were no places
to plant shade trees because most of this area is occupied by
a garage and a circular driveway. The only place to plant trees
was inside a formal circular hedge in which I grew annuals and
roses. I didn't really want trees inside the circle but I knew
that something had to be done to reduce the sun's heat. After
making the decision to plant 4 trees in each section of the circle,
I knew that I wanted trees that would be fast growing and provide
generous shade in years to come. A local nursery woman recommended
the sawtooth oak, saying that it was a fast grower, had no disease
problems, was a good shade tree and provided acorns at an early
age for wildlife. I took her advice and I've been very pleased.
Planted in 1997, the 4 sawtooth oaks are now about 35 feet high
and while they still do not shade the back of my house completely,
I shouldn't have to wait much longer. The trees are very pyramidal
in growth while young and begin to spread later. The tree began
producing acorns in 2002, just five years after being planted.
They are beautiful trees especially in the autumn when the leaves
turn yellow. The leaves stay on the tree until new growth begins
in the following spring.
