Help, I am planning on having a 4" Red Oak planted in my yard. My husband thinks I should have a Live Oak because they don't lose their leaves. Could you tell me pros and cons of both trees? Thank you, SA, Grandview, Tx

Reply to post by Sally Amabile, on May 01, 2000 at 15:07:00:

Sally, Regardless of kind, if you haven't planted the 4" tree yet, I recommend that you wait until the dormant season. Placement of the tree may depend on the selection or selection may depend on placement. For example, I wouldn't want a Live Oak on the south side of the house shading a picture window all winter long.
I'm not sure of the terrain of Grandview, but if it rocky limestone as I suspect, I would certainly go with a Texas Red Oak or possibly a Shumard Red Oak but not a Southern Red Oak. As to Live Oaks, I would absolutely want the Escarpment Live Oak.
For identification and selection of trees in your area, I recommend A Field Guide to Texas Trees by the late Benny Simpson.
As a side note, when you select your new tree, select one with branches that have a good angle of branch attachment. Also red oaks are particularly sensitive to being planted at the right depth. James