Scarlet Oak

About this plant

Commanding attention in any landscape, the Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) is a deciduous American native celebrated for its unparalleled fall display. Its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves transform into a breathtaking spectrum of fiery reds and oranges, creating a dramatic focal point that lasts for weeks. Beyond its stunning seasonal show, the Scarlet Oak offers year-round appeal with its strong, upright to rounded habit and attractive, furrowed bark. It's an excellent choice for large properties, parks, or as a stately street tree, providing ample shade and increasing property value. Thriving in a variety of conditions, its adaptability and relatively fast growth make it a superb investment for those seeking a long-lived, high-impact landscape specimen with enduring beauty and ecological benefits.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Scarlet Oaks are remarkably low-maintenance once established. They prefer well-drained, acidic soils but can tolerate a range of conditions. Provide regular watering during the first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove dead or crossing branches.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.