Pin Oak

About this plant

The Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is a classic choice for creating majestic shade and adding structural beauty to any large landscape. Recognized for a distinctive pyramidal habit when young, maturing to a more open, rounded crown, this tree provides ample summer shade and a spectacular display of russet to fiery red foliage in autumn, ensuring year-round interest. Its relatively rapid growth rate makes it an excellent option for those looking to establish a mature tree presence sooner. Pin Oak is adaptable to a range of urban conditions, including compacted soils and air pollution, making it a robust and reliable performer. This tree's strong central leader and pleasing branch structure also make it a valuable asset for formal plantings, parks, and avenues, where its stately presence can be fully appreciated.

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

Easily grown in average to moist, well-drained soils. Prefers acidic conditions; chlorosis may occur in high pH soils, correct with iron supplements. Prune in dormancy to maintain shape or remove lower branches for clearance.

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.