Red Oak

About this plant

A quintessential American hardwood, the Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a magnificent choice for homeowners seeking a grand, long-lived shade tree. Its broad, rounded canopy provides generous cooling shade throughout the summer months, creating a comfortable outdoor living space. Beyond its functional benefits, the Red Oak is celebrated for its spectacular fall display. Its distinctive lobed leaves transform into brilliant shades of russet, red, and deep burgundy, providing a breathtaking spectacle that enhances any landscape. This stately tree offers significant aesthetic appeal and ecological value. Ideal for larger properties, parks, or as a street tree, the Red Oak contributes to biodiversity and offers shelter and food for local wildlife. Its strong wood and adaptable nature make it a reliable and enduring addition to your outdoor environment, promising beauty for generations.

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 transplanted and tolerant of a wide range of soils once established. Requires minimal pruning, primarily for structural shaping or removal of dead/damaged branches. Fertilize young trees annually with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth. Protect young trees from deer browsing.

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.