Shumard Oak

About this plant

The Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) is a magnificent choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking a large, stately shade tree. Known for its pyramidal form in youth, maturing into a broad, rounded canopy, it commands attention in any landscape. Its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves provide a lush backdrop throughout the spring and summer, transforming into breathtaking shades of russet, orange, and deep red in the fall. This vibrant fall display makes it an exceptional specimen tree. Highly adaptable to a range of soil conditions and remarkably urban-tolerant, the Shumard Oak is a low-maintenance yet high-impact addition that will grace your property 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 grown in average, medium moisture, well-draining soils in full sun. While adaptable, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions, including drought once established. Prune in winter when dormant 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.