Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Develops iron chlorosis in our alkaline soils, leaves yellow with green veins, then decline.
medium water60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Quercus rubra
- Variety / cultivar
- Red
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 4.5–6.8
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Red Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Red Oak get?
- It matures to about 60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Red Oak need?
- Give Red Oak about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Red Oak grow into?
- Red Oak typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Red Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Red Oak is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Red Oak need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Red Oak grow?
- Red Oak is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Red Oak live?
- Red Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Red Oak turn in fall?
- Red Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Red Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Red Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Red Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Red Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Red Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
