Trees

Pin oaks are an incredibly common type of tree that is used in multiple places because of their adaptability and aesthetic. Chances are high that you have probably stumbled upon one of these trees in your life if you live in the United States, no matter which state.

Pin oak trees are a member of the red oak family and are known for their odd shape when matured. Pin oaks can grow up to 12-15ft tall within 5 years. That’s as tall as 2 NBA players stacked on top of one another. Pin oak trees generally live up to 120 years and reach a full height of 60-70ft.

Pin oaks are great trees. They are seen in parks, golf courses, along streets, and multiple yards. Some may argue that they are overused, but being as they are such a solid choice, I would argue that the point is up for debate!

What Does A Pin Oak Look Like?

Pin oaks have some very distinct and unique features about them that make them so sought after. The University of Kentucky states that pin oaks are about 60-70 inches tall when they are mature but can be over 100 feet tall if they are given the right conditions (so, like the woods and not a residential area).

The width that pin oaks can spread their branches out can reach up to 40 feet but it’s more common to see them at about 25 to 30 feet.

Pin oaks, when they are fully mature, have an odd shape where their lower branches hang down (and a lot of times they will even touch the ground), their middle branches stick straight out kind of like a pair of arms and their upper branches face the sun.

They are a very well-rounded tree if you can picture it. When they are young though, they have a standard pyramid shape.

The leaves on a pin oak are glossy. In the spring and summer months, the leaves are a nice green color but when fall rolls around, they turn a red or bronze color before turning brown for the harsher, wintery months. Pin oaks actually will keep their leaves (some of them at least) throughout winter.  

The leaves are also about 4 to 6 inches long, so to picture it, they are about as long as your hand. They have anywhere from 5 to 7 lobes on them. The pin tree also produces a flower, but it shows up about the same time the leaves flourish so they are really hard to see, but an acorn is produced from the tree as a fruit.  

If you are still confused, or are simply interested in being able to identify more native trees, consider getting a book like the National Wildlife federation’s Guide To Trees Of North America.

The acorns on a pin oak are about one-half of an inch around and they are your classic acorn shape, rounded with a slight point on the end and wearing a little hat! They are reddish-brown as well.

Where Did The Pin Oak Come From?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the pin oak is Native to North America. You can find pin oaks just about anywhere in the United States today. These trees were first introduced in the 1770s and it was found that they are very easily transplanted, so they took off without a hitch and started showing up all over the country.

Characteristics Of The Pin Oak

Quercus palustris, pine oak or Spanish swamp oak. Autumn time in October. Red oak leaves close up. Autumn Park.  Quercus palustris pin oak tree typical autumnal colorful deciduous foliage

The pin oak, as mentioned previously, is a very unique-looking plant but it has some other unique features about it as well.

For starters, the University of Kentucky says that the pin oak loves acidic soil, especially if it is well-drained also. However, it is a hardy tree when it comes to soil conditions and it will also accommodate to tolerate wet soil.

The pin oak loves full sun exposure, so you don’t have to worry about putting it in a place that needs partial shade or full shade, it can just hang out in the sun all day long and thrive. It tolerates these conditions so well because it has a very shallow root system with one central root that burrows into the ground.

Pin oaks are in zone 4 for hardiness which means it is a pretty hardy plant, it can survive in places that are warm and hot during the day but where the temperatures dip down at night and it can also tolerate places where there are winter months that can get pretty intense in their cold weather.  

It is one of the fastest-growing oak trees in the world because it can grow an amazing 12 to 15 feet in just 5 years. That is 2 NBA players stacked on top of each other in just 5 years, how insane is that?

The SRS explains that the pin oak is monoecious, meaning that it has both male and female reproductive organs on the same tree. While many trees rely on bees for pollination, not the pin oak. This tree relies on the wind to move the pollen for it to other trees.  

Furthermore, the United States Department of Agriculture explains that the pin oak doesn’t have many predators or pests to bother it, just your typical bugs but nothing too serious. They are also seen as very useful plants.

They are useful because they are good for not only decoration and residential areas, but they are a strong and heavy cut of wood that is fantastic for things like fuel for wood stoves and furnaces as well as (fun fact) railroad ties because they are super strong and can warp as well, conforming to their job at hand.  

Young deer like to munch on the acorns from pin oaks, so many times hunters will use them in their food plots to help lure deer into their property before hunting season. Deer also really enjoy eating them when they are young saplings.  

Full Tree Lifespan: A Timeline Of The Pin Oak

Since the pin oak is a tree that grows up so fast, there are not too many steps in the growing timeline. Essentially, once it is planted and takes off growing, it just needs to mature to have fruit that can reproduce and make other trees.

The Beginning Of A Pin Oak’s Growth

Oak sapling in hands. The leaves of rays of sunlight.

The SRS gives a great snapshot of the growing timeline. First, a tree has to be old enough and mature enough to have a fertile acorn that is capable of growing a tree. A pin oak can have a good acorn for growth at about 15 years old, but it is more common to see it closer to 20 years old.

Acorns start to form on the mature, adult trees in the springtime, month-wise, it is about late April to early May. They fall more towards the end of May and the way that the seeds are spread around (other than just dropping to the ground) is actually by those super cool little scavengers, our friends the squirrel.

The squirrel will usually move these acorns to their final resting place to grow between September and December. Once they are buried in the ground and ready to grow, they have a growing phase, or a stratification phase, of about a month, give or take (the statistic is 30-45 days under the soil to sprout).

These little acorns like it when the temperature they are working with during that stratification phase is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering the time they drop, this isn’t an unreasonable request for them to their new homes.  

The pin oak goes through hypogeal germination which is a fancy term meaning that the cotyledon (a fancy name for a part of the stem) stays under the ground when the seed germinates.

For more information on how to grow a pin oak of your very own, check out this article on How to Grow An Oak Tree From An Acorn (6 Easy Steps).

This doesn’t sound too important, but it’s an odd fun fact for the pin oak because usually if a plant has hypogeal germination, it grows slowly when this tree does the opposite. 

If you wish to have a pin oak tree of your very own, consider getting something like these Pin Oak Tree Seeds, or even this Medium-Sized Pin Oak Tree Seedling.

Early Growing Stages Of Pin Oak Trees

Now, on average, these pin oak trees will have about 8,650 new seedling trees per every 3,500 acres of land but that does not mean that they all grow and survive. Just like any species, they are subject to a lot when they are brand new to the world.

Actually, a lot of the time more than one pin oak sprout will pop up in the same place and the dominant sprout will grow while the others grow more slowly on their stump and if the more dominant (or parent) sprout doesn’t make it, they jump right in and take its place.

So realistically, let’s say that 5 or 6 of these plants all grow in the same place and only one makes it, that can cut down your numbers.

In the early stages, first-year seedlings are prone to get flooded out. They have such shallow roots, so it does not take much to flood them out. However, since it is such a common problem for them to have, there is also a common solution that they use to get through it.

Their little, shallow roots will just cease to exist almost when they get flooded out. They do not grow, but they also do not stop living there. They will hold on for up to 84 days. Eighty. Four. Days. I don’t know about you, but I think that is incredible. They will wait 84 days for the flooding to go away to continue to grow.

Maturation And Aging Of Pin Oaks

Green leaves of landscaping tree, Quercus palustris, the pin or swamp Spanish oak in park.

Like it was said previously, these bad boys grow so fast. By their second year of thriving and chilling as saplings, they now have a pretty established and strong root system, and that one grounding root has sunk into the earth and claimed its territory.

They grow, again, about 12 to 15 feet in the first 5 years. That’s an average of 2 to 3 feet per year. This makes me think of a child and how fast they grow, and think if your child were to grow 2 to 3 feet in a year. It is incredible how fast these trees can grow!

Although they can sprout up in height, they, unfortunately, do not mature as quickly as they grow. It takes about 15 years for them to be fully matured and ready to disperse acorns that will plant more trees.  

Once these pin oaks get to about as tall as they can grow, you will start to see their unique shape starting to form. They will start to sag in their lower branches and their middle branches will scratch out and fan. The pin oak doesn’t get big thick branches like other oaks, they are pretty delicate and thin. 

If you have a fallen oak you don’t know what to do with, consider reading this article on the 9 Best Fallen Oak Tree Uses.

Blooming, Fruiting, Maturity Of A Pin Oak Tree

The pin oak has a lot of time to fully mature and because of that, it also has a lot of time to figure out the seasons and when it is supposed to bloom, drop acorns, all of the things it needs to do to survive.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources discusses that the blooming season for pin oaks occurs in mid-spring, closer to May than any other month. They bloom and then fruit a few months later in the heat of the summer, in about July and even into early September. 

They are the easiest to identify and pick out during May to September because that is when the tree is doing all of the big tasks it needs to get done for the year. This is also when the leaves will start to change (into September more so than the summer season) when the autumn weather starts to make its way into town.

These pin oaks are perennials, which is a term meaning that they last for a long time and that they will bloom again in the next blooming season. Usually, for plants, it means they will be dormant or just be a bulb under the ground but will bloom again come the spring.  

For a tree, specifically the pin oak in question, it means they will lose their leaves (pin oaks keep most of them in the winter months though) and then bloom again when the conditions are right in the spring season to show off their beautiful glossy, green leaves again.  

Wrapping Up

In closing, the pin oak is a great tree to have around. It does not attract too many pests, although some animals do find their acorns to be a tasty treat. It provides a great spot for shade through the grueling summer months and it doesn’t mind at all if it suffers in the sunshine, it prefers that over the shade you’ll be sitting in underneath of it.

It is aesthetically pleasing, scattered all over residential areas for just that reason. Pin oak trees grow well in almost any soil and it is a hardy tree that can survive the elements. They can survive the heat, the cold and even flooding for an incredible period of 84 days.

While they do grow tall quickly, maturing takes a bit longer but it is worth it to have such a great tree nearby. Take a look around your local park next time you are there and the chances are pretty high that you will see a pin oak there. 

If you’d like to learn more about the timeline for growing other oak trees, make sure to take a look at our guide: How Long Does It Take to Grow an Oak Tree? Full Timeline.

References

Dale M. Maronek, James W. Hendrix, Cathy D. Stevens. (1981). Fertility-mycorrhizal-isolate interactions in the production of containerized pin oak seedlings. Scientia Horticulturae. Volume 15, Issue 3. Pages 283-289. ISSN 0304-4238.

Henderson, D.E.; Botch, P.; Cussimanio, J.; Ryan, D.; Kabrick, J.; Dey, D. 2009. Growth and mortality of pin oak and pecan reforestation in a constructed wetland: analysis with management implications. Science and Management Technical Series: Number 1. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, MO. Pg 19. 

Himelick, E. Watson, G. (2004). Effects of soil pH, root density, and tree growth regulator treatments on pin oak chlorosis. Journal of Arboriculture. 30 (3). Pgs. 172-178.

M. Boyer, J. Miller, M. Belanger, E. Hare, Jiyou Wu. (2008). Senescence and spectral reflectance in leaves of northern pin oak. (Quercus palustris Muenchh.). Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 25, Issue 1. Pages 71-87. ISSN 0034-4257.

Looking around your yard, you might consider planting a palm tree in order to brighten your outdoor aesthetic. Or, you might ponder transplanting a palm tree to a different location in your yard for a practical purpose. Either way, these musings lead to a question: how do folks transport and plant a palm tree in their yard as well as reduce the transplant shock?

Here are 10 simple steps to transport a palm tree:

  • Dig around the root ball of your palm tree
  • Dig out the palm tree
  • Remove old leaves
  • Prepare for transport
  • Prepare the planting location
  • Plant the palm tree
  • Untie the fronds
  • Water the palm tree
  • Add mulch
  • Support the palm with timbers

Keep reading to learn about the root system of a palm tree, the steps in transporting it as well as helpful tips in reducing the tree’s experience of transplant shock.

How To Transport A Palm Tree

Palm trees are some of the least complicated trees to transport and plant. This is because they have a sizable, fibrous root ball instead of a deep, extensive root system. The root ball is fairly easy to dig out, and palm trees can usually have a speedy recovery after transporting and planting.

To safely transplant an adult palm tree, you must prepare the planting location. Afterward, plan to dig out the palm tree with minimal damage to the root ball, successfully transport it to the planting location, and care for the palm tree after it is securely planted in the ground. Remember that a palm tree grown in the field experiences more severe transplant shock than a palm tree grown in a container, which correlates to the amount of damage on the root ball.

A palm tree grown in a container is not cut like a palm tree grown in the field, even though the root ball is still exposed to the air during transportation. Transplant shock occurs when a tree copes with the stresses of its new environment, which include different soil and sunlight exposure. Lessening the severity of transplant shock in a palm tree is discussed in the section, “How to Reduce Transplant Shock in a Palm Tree.”

A quick note before we get started, did you know that you actually can grow certain types of palm trees in New York? Not tropical palm trees, however. You can read more about that in our piece: Here’s Why You Can’t Grow Tropical Palm Trees In New York

Step #1: Dig Around The Root Ball Of A Palm Tree

Small palm tree and flawers in a exotic garden, popular plants for decorating and creating exotic gardens

As previously mentioned, palm trees have a root ball that is composed of small compacted roots. The roots of broadleaf trees, like oaks, grow in diameter and also plunge deep into the soil; this is untrue of the roots of palm trees. The root ball of a palm tree remains the same size, and the small compacted roots stay closer to the surface of the soil.

A University of Florida study discovered that various palm tree species respond in different ways to the cutting of their root systems. The sabal palmetto’s roots, for example, die after cutting and are replaced by new roots; so, it does not make a difference if the roots are cut close to the palm’s base. For the coconut palm, 50% of its cut roots survive and keep growing regardless of how close they are cut to the palm’s base. 

With this in mind, the root ball can be kept small for the sabal palmetto and coconut palm trees when digging out these species. For palm trees that are up to 15 feet in height, dig a one to two feet radius from the trunk and dig one to feet into the soil. If you are in doubt about the sensitivity level to root cutting for your palm tree species, dig a larger radius around the trunk.

Step #2: Dig Out The Palm Tree

After digging around the palm tree, you will cut some of the roots. Root cutting happens regardless of how large the radius is around the trunk.

Cut the soil and palm roots with a spade that goes in a circle around the palm tree. This circle is about 12 to 24 inches away from the trunk of the tree, and it creates space for the root ball. Cut the palm tree’s roots about 12 inches underneath the surface of the soil.

Digging out the palm tree requires lifting, which usually requires multiple people depending on the palm tree’s size. For palm trees that are between 20 and 25 feet in height, a crane or a tractor is required in order to successfully move the tree. Palm trees can be monstrously heavy; in fact, a 20-foot palm tree is approximately 1,000 pounds.

Step #3: Remove Old Leaves On The Palm Tree

Palm leaf - The palm is an unbranched evergreen tree with a crown of long feathered or fan-shaped leaves, and typically having old leaf scars forming a regular pattern on the trunk. Palms grow in warm regions, especially the tropics.

Many nurseries remove up to two-thirds of old leaves on palm trees to minimize the level of water stress in the trees. Some homeowners will even remove all of the leaves. 

The amount of leaves that are removed depends on the particular palm tree species that is being transported. For example, since the sabal palmetto species’ roots all die and regrow during transplanting and planting, completely removing the leaves is the best option to help ensure the tree’s survival.

Step #4: Prepare To Transport The Palm Tree

Tie together the extra fronds of the palm tree to avoid damaging the leaves, which should be done before using a crane to lift the palm tree. Attach two splits on opposite sides of the tree trunk to prevent the palm tree from fracturing, which is particularly needed for skinnier palm trees. 

A palm tree cannot repair itself if its trunk is harmed, so it is crucial to avoid nailing something to the trunk. Also, any scratches along the palm tree’s trunk can make the tree more susceptible to fungus and insects. 

Wrap the trunk with nylon or polyester slings before fastening ropes, cables or chains. Using soaked burlap, wrap the root ball so the root system stays wet during transportation. 

If you are using a truck to transport the palm tree, then wrap the whole tree with a wet tarp. This shields the tree from damages to the fronds, bark and roots. This also protects the root ball from the wind, which can dry out the roots.

Step #5: Prepare The Planting Location

Test the planting location’s soil to ensure that it is the right spot to transplant a palm tree. Palm trees must be in a location with decent drainage. To begin the test, dig a hole that is two times the diameter of the palm tree’s root ball.

Pour water into the hole until it is filled and wait. After an hour, pour more water into the hole and observe the length of time it takes for the water to disappear. The location has decent drainage if it only takes a few hours for the water to leave; however, if the water has not disappeared after a few days, this indicates a drainage issue.

It is possible to create better drainage in this location by placing stones in the planting hole and drilling several holes at the bottom, which breaks up the soil. You can also install a pipe for drainage.

Step #6: Plant The Palm Tree

It is important to plant the palm tree as soon as you can. If you are unable to immediately plant the tree, then simply keep it in a shaded area and make sure that the roots stay moist. You can even put mulch over the root ball to keep it from possibly drying out.

Plant the palm tree at a similar depth in which it was previously growing. If the palm tree is planted too deeply in the soil, it could experience water stress and deficiencies in nutrients. If the palm tree is planted too shallowly in the soil, this could also be a problem because the wind might blow over the tree.

Before planting the palm tree, drench the soil with water and center the tree in the planting hole. Backfill the area with native soil, water and backfill again. Ensure that there are zero air pockets, and then make a soil boundary around the palm in order to hold the water.

Step #7: Untie The Fronds Of The Palm Tree

Gardeners have different opinions about the placement of this step: untying the fronds of the palm tree. Some think that leaving the fronds tied for several weeks after transplanting the palm tree can reduce water loss and stop the palm from shifting in the wind.

Other gardeners think that leaving the fronds tied does not help the growth of the palm tree. Rather, they think it might make the tree more susceptible to diseases. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to untie the fronds after planting the palm tree or waiting to untie them at a later time.

Step #8: Water The Palm Tree

Palm trees grown in the field have cut roots, which means they have a tinier root ball in which to take in water. While the palm tree is growing new roots, its necessity for water is significantly larger than a palm tree grown in a container. Whether you have a palm tree grown in the field or one grown in a container, it will need to be watered on a daily basis for three weeks.

Once you have hit the fourth week, you can water your palm tree every other day. To successfully water your palm tree, turn on your water hose so that it drips water for about 20 minutes in the soil around the root ball. After six weeks, you can reduce your watering frequency.

Step #9: Add Mulch Around The Palm Tree

To keep moisture and prevent weed growth, add mulch around the base of the palm tree. Over time, the mulch will break down and enrich the native soil. Add around two inches of mulch, making the area thinner closer to the trunk and thicker directly above the root ball.

While adding mulch around the palm tree, place it about one foot away from the trunk of a tinier palm tree and about two feet away from the trunk of a bigger tree. An overabundance of mulch directly against the trunk can bring about rot in the trunk and even fungal diseases. It can also stop water from reaching the root system of the palm tree.

Step #10: Support The Palm Tree With Timbers

Palm trees grown in the field tend to have tinier root systems in relation to their height; this means that they usually need support after planting. This contrasts with palm trees grown in containers; their root systems tend to be large enough in order to maintain the trees in upright positions.

To stop a freshly planted palm tree from blowing over during storms, support the tree with timbers. Again, avoid nailing to the trunk because a palm tree cannot repair itself if its trunk is harmed. Using burlap, wrap the trunk and attach four short lengths of wood with bands; this will not harm the trunk, and it stops the wood from sliding out of place.

Nail up to five supporting timbers into the larger wood pieces. Maintain this support structure for around one year, or until you have noticed that the tree has grown enough new roots that allow it to stand on its own.

How To Reduce Transplant Shock In A Palm Tree

Garden of palm tree on green grass lawn under cloudy sky in good care maintenance landscape of public park

Even though you have done your best to be careful while transporting and planting a palm tree, the tree still experiences stress as it adjusts to its new location. If you observe drooping, yellow or brown leaves on your transplanted palm tree, this is a sign that the tree is experiencing transplant shock.

This might look like the tree is dying, but it is not: transplant shock is when the root ball hardens because it has been cut, moved and directly exposed to sunlight, air and different soil. Mother Nature did not create an organic situation in which palm trees are transplanted, so the tree is forced to cope with these unnatural changes.

It can take one year for a palm tree to fully recover from transplant shock. After three years, a transplanted palm tree is considered to be completely established in its new planting location. 

While transplanting a palm tree, much of its root system is lost or dies. The roots that survive face challenges in bringing in enough water for the palm tree, which causes water stress. In fact, any changes to the root ball of a palm tree causes stress to the tree. Again, this transplant shock is unavoidable, but there are a few tips to follow that allow you to reduce the shock in your palm tree.

To add, at this point you may be interested in another popular palm tree article: 5 Reasons New Orleans Has Palm Trees (Plus Growing Tips)

Tip #1: Transport And Plant The Palm Tree During Warm Rainy Months

The best time to transport and plant the palm tree is during months that are warm and rainy. Depending on where you live, this might not include the springtime. If you live in Florida (a state with a plentiful amount of thriving palm trees), transporting and planting a palm tree should be done between June and November, which is the rainy season. 

If you transplant your palm tree during a time that is warm and rainy, it profoundly assists in your palm tree’s survival and minimizes the transplant shock. In addition, planting in the evening is ideal because the sun is less intense and temperatures are cooler. This provides the palm tree both the evening and the entire night to start acclimating to the new location before its extensive exposure to sunlight the following day.

Tip #2: Acclimate The Palm Tree

If you are transporting a palm tree grown in a container, you can set the palm tree in the general area of its new planting location a week prior to planting it. Doing this offers the palm tree more time to acclimate to the varying levels of sunlight and temperature in its new planting location. 

You can also consider planting the palm tree in its new location and then covering it with a plastic canopy. Every week, you can poke holes in the covering, which slowly allows in more light. 

Tip #3: Leave The Old Soil In The Palm Tree’s Root Ball

Although you might be planning to offer healthier soil at the new planting location, you still want to leave the old soil in the palm tree’s root ball. This reduces the root system’s exposure to the elements, which decreases the tree’s stress levels. When you backfill the planting hole, this is when you can utilize a healthier, better soil around the root ball.

Tip #4: Avoid Fertilizing The Palm Tree After Planting It

Avoid fertilizing the palm tree immediately after planting it because this invites more stress for the tree. Make sure that you allow your transplanted palm tree some time to regenerate its root system. Wait at least two months or until you see significant root growth before you fertilize the palm tree. 

Be mindful of the fact that palm trees grown in containers are accustomed to high nitrogen levels because of the potting soil. This means that they require fertilizer that contains high nitrogen levels in order to thrive. If these palm trees do not receive that nitrogen, they can develop a deficiency in the element and be slow in establishing their root system.

Here are a few other tips you can consider to help reduce transplant shock in your palm tree:

  • Saturate the rootball area with a fungicide between two to four times during the first several months.
  • Between two to four months, apply a slow-release fertilizer to the palm tree. You can also utilize a foliar spray because the absorption by the root system is minimal.
  • Offer protection from the cold during winter until the palm tree has completely established its root system.
  • Frequently check for signs of diseases and insects, the latter of which can be attracted to weaker plants.

That’s A Wrap!

Whether you are purchasing a palm tree from a nursery or intending to transplant a palm tree from one spot in your yard to another, the steps in how to transport and plant the palm tree are the same. Knowing how palm roots grow and react to being cut can prevent damage to the root system. Plus, implementing this knowledge will bolster the likelihood of the palm tree’s survival. 

References

Hinkamp, Dennis. “Transplanting: Think Twice, Dig Once.” (2001).

Hodel, Donald R., A. James Downer, and Dennis R. Pittenger. “Transplanting palms.” HortTechnology 19.4 (2009): 686-689.

Hunsberger, A. G. B. “Tree Planting: A Quick Guide for Homeowners.”

Pittenger, Dennis R., Donald R. Hodel, and A. James Downer. “Transplanting specimen palms: a review of common practices and research-based information.” HortTechnology 15.1 (2005): 128-132.

For some homeowners, ball moss on an oak tree is a mark of character; for others, it’s an eyesore. A common plant that grows on the branches of oaks, it can quickly overwhelm its host tree. But, is ball moss helpful or harmful to an oak tree?

Ball moss is helpful because it converts nitrogen into a nutrient, adding it to the soil. Contrarily, it’s harmful because it potentially weakens an oak tree. Ball moss is removed through picking, pruning, and spraying. Using all three techniques is best for removing and prevention.

Keep reading to discover more about what ball moss is, the different ways in which it harms and helps oak trees as well as how to manage it on the oak trees in your yard.

What Is Ball Moss?

Ball moss is a flowering plant from the Bromeliaceae family that often grows on the branches of oak trees. It can even grow on power lines, fences, or rocks. Ball moss is sometimes mistaken for a jumble of Spanish moss, which hangs from tree limbs like a long, wispy beard. 

If you are having trouble figuring out what moss is growing on your oak tree, you should check out one of our popular articles, Moss On Your Oak Tree: Identification And Removal Guide.

Ball Moss Is An Epiphyte: A Non-Parasitic Air Plant

Neither ball moss nor Spanish moss is actual moss, though. They’re epiphytes, which are also known as air plants. They grow on structures and other vegetation with pseudo-roots. 

These pseudo-roots don’t take in nutrients or water as tree roots do. Instead, they provide an anchor that attaches the plant to the surface. This fact leads some homeowners to think that ball moss is a parasite.

Here’s the truth: ball moss isn’t a parasite. When a parasite attaches itself to a living organism, it collects food from that organism – usually at the host’s expense. Since ball moss can thrive on non-living structures such as power lines, it’s clear that it doesn’t receive nourishment from its physical supporters.

With its leaves, ball moss absorbs water from rainfall in addition to water vapor from the air. This acquisition allows ball moss to quickly grow from its fastened perch. This epiphyte also grabs most of its nutrients from the debris or dust that aggregates on the host plant or structure. Some minerals are absorbed from rainfall, too.

Ball Moss Needs A High Humidity Environment

Green valley surrounded by mountains is covered in fog and clouds. Heavy fog in green misty mountains on a cloudy day. Achishkho ridge - the wettest place in Russia. Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia

Most air plants thrive in tropical regions with plenty of sunlight and high humidity. Living among shaded tropical vegetation, air plants seize nutrients from the organic detritus that gathers in a tree canopy. Many of these air plants are flowering plants or angiosperms, which include orchids and other plants in the pineapple family.

Air plants such as mosses, liverworts, and ferns thrive in both mild and tropical areas. Interestingly, ball moss is the only air plant that is found to also live in arid regions. This includes the deserts along Mexico’s western coast where ball moss absorbs water from the oceanic fog.

Specifically, ball moss grows in regions with high humidity, little airflow, and reduced light intensity. These conditions often match the canopy underside of numerous shade trees like oaks. Since trees typically grow leaves and other vegetation toward the end of their branches, their central limbs are often empty; this interior area leaves a perfect place for ball moss to attach itself and flourish.

If you wish to keep ball moss alive in a more controlled area such as a greenhouse, you can try a handheld mister such as this Ebristar Glass Plant Mister.

Air plants like ball moss require the wind to disperse their feather-like seeds. Animals can disperse these seeds as well. The dispersal range of it’s seeds is vast. Currently, ball moss extends from the Southern United States to Chile and Argentina. 

Ball moss is often seen in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona, Texas as well as Mexico, and most of Central and South America. This air plant is a staple on many southern live oak trees, even ones that are declining or expired. This causes a few homeowners to assume that ball moss is responsible for the deterioration of these oaks.

Is Ball Moss Helpful Or Harmful To Oak Trees?

Small ballmoss, ball moss or bunch moss  which is commonly provided by southern shade trees.

Ball moss grows in the central canopy of healthy oaks as well as sickly ones. The air plant is easier to spot in the oaks that are ill, leading to a common misperception that ball moss is harmful to the trees. Examining the misperceptions, benefits, and disadvantages of this moss can help you decide whether this air plant is good for your yard’s oak trees.

Misperceptions About Ball Moss

These are four common misperceptions about ball moss:

  1. Ball moss is a parasite. As a reminder, ball moss isn’t parasitic. It’s not actively harming an oak tree by stealing its nutrients (as a parasite does). Ball moss absorbs its nutrients from the atmosphere.
  2. Ball moss is responsible for a thinning tree canopy. It isn’t responsible for thinning an oak tree canopy. Insufficient drainage, disease, and compacted soil are much more likely suspects for a thinning tree canopy.
  3. Ball moss deteriorates an oak tree’s health by blocking the leaves’ access to sunlight. There’s no direct evidence that this is the case. Especially since ball moss populates in the interior part of the canopy (where the oak tree’s limbs are bare), it isn’t competing with the oak’s leaves that are growing at the end of the tree’s branches.
  4. Ball moss causes an oak tree’s limbs to break. Branches infested with ball moss can indeed break off from the tree due to the additional weight, especially if it’s rainy or windy. These branches, however, are typically dead or dying before the ball moss was on the tree. Interior limbs usually die because of little sunlight, regardless of the presence of ball moss.

Benefits Of Ball Moss

Ball moss offers some benefits to your yard’s oak trees. Birds can use a big cluster of ball moss as shelter. (This tends to happen if the cluster is near their nest.) Ball moss can also attract insects to the oak tree, and birds can enjoy these critters for their meals.

In addition, ball moss takes in nitrogen from the atmosphere and converts it into a nutrient. The nutrient is added to the soil at the tree’s base. This benefits the oak and all surrounding vegetation. 

Cosmetically, some homeowners even like the look of ball moss on an oak tree. These individuals say that it adds character to the tree. For them, ball moss provides an august quality to a mature oak tree.

Disadvantages Of Ball Moss

There are several disadvantages to ball mass growing in your yard’s oak trees. Some homeowners say that ball moss can weaken oak trees, which could lead to the trees’ premature decline. This might be caused by the tendrils on ball moss: they envelop the branches and stems of the tree to successfully affix the air plant to a branch. 

As the ball moss grows, these tendrils can intensify their grip. This can decrease circulation in the tree. Also, it’s conceivable that severe infestations can slow down the development of new buds and shoots on a tree.

Another disadvantage is that once ball moss attaches itself to a tree, it can spread to other trees in the locale. Since ball moss requires wind for seed distribution, it’s not too hard for the plant to get around. This can quickly lead to an overabundance in one small area.

Also, on a cosmetic level, some homeowners dislike the look of ball moss on a tree. They think that the air plant detracts from the natural allure of the tree. Some of them might even call it an eyesore.

What Is The Removal Process For Ball Moss?

Tillandsia recurvata aerial Plant growing.

If you decide that the disadvantages of this air plant outweigh its benefits, or that ball moss in your yard’s oak trees is too unsightly, then it’s time to learn about the removal process. Traditionally, there are three ways that you can remove ball mass from your oak tree. These techniques include picking, pruning, and spraying. 

On its own, each technique isn’t enough to entirely remove ball moss from your tree nor prevent its return. The best approach is to incorporate the three techniques in your removal process. Each technique – as well as an integrated approach – is detailed below.

Picking And Pruning Ball Moss

Picking requires pulling off each ball moss from the tree, usually one by one. Undoubtedly, this is laborious and time-consuming. This technique could be hazardous if you’re not using an aerial work platform or cherry picker; however, it can be effective in removing the ball moss from your oak tree.

Pruning is another technique that involves cutting away the dead or dying interior limbs from the oak tree and completely removing them. Since ball moss mostly grows on these dead branches, you’ll remove nearly all of the moss from your oak tree this way. This takes time, and you might want to hire a professional tree trimmer to do it.

Furthermore, ball moss thrives in conditions with reduced light intensity. If you choose to lightly thin the canopy of the oak tree while pruning, more sunlight will hit the central area of the tree, which will deter another infestation of ball moss. After pruning, make sure to use a pruning seal on the cuts because this prevents the spread of oak wilt.

For picking moss that is especially high up on the tree you could use a product like this RMS 34 Inch Extra Long Grabber.

Oak wilt is caused by beetles that bore into wood. They’re drawn to oak trees’ sap, and fresh cuts on oak trees attract their attention. The beetles’ bodies carry a fungus that generates oak wilt; so, wherever the beetles go, oak wilt will also spread. 

This is why it’s crucial to use a pruning seal on any cuts made while pruning your oak tree. The timing of pruning your oak tree also matters regarding to preventing the spread of oak wilt disease. The beetles are most active in moderate weather, so it’s recommended to prune your oak during the middle of summer or winter.

Removing Ball Moss By Spraying

Spraying includes lightly showering a chemical to your oak tree using a foliar spray. A copper-based fungicide is one chemical option. Copper-based fungicide is designed to eliminate ball moss on oak trees. 

You’ll apply the spray in the spring when the ball moss is readily growing. Avoid using more than the recommended amount because too much of this chemical could damage your oak tree. In five to seven days, the ball moss will no longer grow. 

It’s important to note that copper-based fungicide may drift during use. This can cause damage to vegetation that’s near the sprayed oak tree. Furthermore, it can also cause damage to metal surfaces, such as outdoor furniture. 

On the other hand, if you are looking to use homemade or dilutable sprays, you could easily disperse them with this CHAPIN Garden Sprayer!

Additionally, copper-based fungicides mark surfaces they touch with a blue stain. Take extra precautions if you’re spraying close to buildings and other outdoor objects. Given all of these considerations, while using a copper-based fungicide, you might want to hire a landscape professional to take on the job.

After the fungicide is applied, the ball moss will not promptly fall from the oak tree. Rather, it will slowly fall away as the year progresses. It may need the force from a rainstorm or a wind gust to push it out.

If you don’t want to wait for the ball moss to naturally fall from the tree, you can remove the air plant with a hose. You’ll simply attach a high-pressure nozzle to your water hose, turn on the water and direct the water stream at the ball moss. As you do so, be careful to not shoot off the tree’s bark or break any branches. Also, avoid using hot water because it can harm the tree.

For more natural treatment of ball moss, you can also use baking soda and water. You’ll add half of a pound of baking soda per every one gallon of water. For example, if you plan to use four gallons of water, then you’ll need two pounds of baking soda. Add this mixture to your sprayer, and directly spray all of the areas where the ball moss is growing on the tree.

The Best Approach To Removal: Pick, Prune, And Spray Ball Moss

Big oak tree with fresh green leaves and green spring meadow

Incorporating the three removal techniques for ball moss – pricking, pruning, and spraying – is the best approach to eliminating the air plant from your oak tree. This integrated method will also prevent ball moss from coming back. Starting to pick the moss is effective in removing it from the tree, but it won’t prevent the air plant from returning to the tree.

This is why pruning, in addition to picking, is essential. Removing the deadwood from your oak tree eliminates the opportunity for ball moss to attach itself to the interior branches. It also provides overall health maintenance for the tree.

Spraying ball moss can be done after pruning your oak tree. Using either a copper-based fungicide or baking soda and water, spraying stops ball moss from growing. Spraying can also curb the likelihood of a future infestation.

That’s A Wrap!

Ball moss is either a beauty mark or a nuisance for oak trees depending on a homeowner’s aesthetic and preference. Ball moss is helpful because it converts nitrogen into a nutrient, adding it to the soil underneath an oak tree. Yet, it’s also harmful because it potentially weakens the oak in which it resides. 

If you are dealing with other types of moss, you should look our other poplar moss article: Spanish Moss On Your Oak Tree: Here’s What To Do.

Removing ball moss through picking, pruning and spraying are effective in removing it and preventing its return. The best results include using all three of these techniques. The finest management of ball moss ultimately rests in your opinion about the non-parasitic air plant.

References:

Arny, Nancy P. Spanish moss and ball moss. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, EDIS, 1996.

Birge, Willie Isabella. The Anatomy and Some Biological Aspects of the” Ball Moss,”: Tillandsia recurvata L. No. 20. University of Texas, 1911.

Harvey, Celia A. “Patterns of seed colonization and seedling establishment of ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) on sand live oak trees (Quercus geminata) in Central Florida.” Florida Scientist (1996): 76-81.

You see olives lining the grocery shelves in glass jars, cans, and often several varieties arranged beautifully in the salad bar. But raw, unprocessed olives seem to be missing from the produce section. This seems to beg the question, can you eat a raw olive straight from the tree?

You can eat an olive straight from the tree, but raw olives are extremely bitter. This is because they contain the compounds oleuropein and ligstroside, which curing removes. Raw olives also have a different texture and contain pits, different from preserved olives.

In this article, we will discuss the regal olive and five reasons you should not eat olives straight off the tree. Let’s get to it!

Raw Olives Are Very Bitter

Let’s say you are walking among a grove of olive trees, enjoying the weather, you look all around you at the beautiful olives gracing the branches and you pluck one off to pop into your mouth. That wonderful moment of whimsy would be ruined as soon as you bite into the olive. 

Your mouth would not be greeted with the pleasant briny saltiness of a green olive from the jar. Nor would you get the soft, earthy, almost sweet taste of the ripe black olives from the cans.

Instead, an intense bitterness would assault your tastebuds, and your first instinct would be to spit the fruit out immediately. If you tried to muscle your way through the bitterness, you might gag on it. 

The Texas AgriLife Extension speaks about the bitterness of raw olives. Olives are a drupe, or stone fruit, like peaches. They are not palatable fresh because of the presence of glucoside, a bitter compound.

Therefore, olives must be processed to be served as food. They are pressed for oil or processed with lye and salt.

If you decide you want to process your own olives, you will need a source of the raw fruit. Luckily, olive trees can even be grown in rocky soil. You can learn more about it in this article, 7 Best Fruit Trees for Rocky Soil (And How to Plant Them).

Olives Have To Be Treated To Remove The Bitterness

When olives are harvested, they have to be cured or treated to remove the compounds oleuropein and ligstroside, which cause intense bitterness. These compounds protect the plant from insects and other predators who would normally consume the fruits. 

There are different methods to remove the bitterness from olives such as brining, dry salt curing, lye treatment, and water curing. 

Each of the above methods of curing either removes the bitter compounds from the olives or reduces them enough to make the olive much more palatable. Each method of curing takes weeks or months to leech out enough of the oleuropein and ligstroside compounds to create the delicious olives we are used to consuming. 

Raw Olive Texture Differs From Prepared Olives

Olives harvest picking in farmer basket at Mediterranean

Another reason not to eat raw olives is the texture. Straight off the tree, raw olives do not have the soft texture and pleasing juiciness to them. They are actually hard and almost crunchy. Also, the less ripe they are, the stronger the flesh clings to the pit inside. 

Olives start off green and slowly change color as they ripen. Green olives are the most immature and most bitter and crunchy of raw olives, whereas dark purple, brown, or black olives are more ripened. In this stage, the fruit has become softer and separated more from the pit, but they still have a very bitter taste unless cured. 

Raw Olives Have Pits

Like cherries, peaches, and plums, olives are stone fruits or drupes. Stone fruits have a fleshy outer fruity area surrounding a stone, or pit, which protects the seed inside. 

Most of the olives you purchase at the grocery store have already had the pit removed, so you can consume them easily or prepare them in your recipes. You can buy raw olives with the pits in them, but you will have to cure them to remove the awful bitterness, as well as having to remove the inedible pits. 

Olives Should Be Washed After Being Picked Off The Tree

The process of olive washing and defoliation in the chain production of a modern oil mill

Alright, you ignore the warning about how bitter olives are, or how they are rather crunchy, and you still want to put it into your mouth. Before you do, though, consider the environment.

You are outside; the wind is blowing, birds are singing in the trees and the olive could be crawling with dust, bacteria, and even bird droppings. Do you still have the desire to eat the raw olive?

You should always wash your produce before consuming it at home, but out in the olive grove, there are probably few places you can scrub all the unseen contaminants off. This is just another reason you should not eat a raw olive fresh from the tree. 

Olives From The Tree Need To Be Cured Before Consuming

Another reason you should not eat olives straight off the tree is they have to be cured first. The bitter compounds have to be removed by a curing or fermenting process to make the fruit palatable. Let’s look at a few different curing methods.

Please note, the below curing tips are for informational purposes only. Consult a curing expert for more info 🙂

Brining

After harvesting fresh olives, they get soaked in a saltwater solution anywhere from 2 to 6 months. The saltwater solution needs to be replaced several times during this process to remove the bitter compounds. 

This process takes much longer if you leave the olives whole because the water has a harder time penetrating the smooth skin of the olives. If you pit the olives before the saltwater bath or cut slits into the fruits, then the brining process is shorter. 

Lye Curing

Lye, also known as caustic soda or sodium hydroxide, is used in many processes. However, when used for curing olives, the lye has to be completely removed and the olives washed well before you can consume them. 

Lye works to break down the chemical bonds between oleuropein and the sugars present in the olives. This also changes the texture of the olives from hard and crunchy to soft and tender.

Once the process is done, the olives need to be washed several times to remove all traces of lye. The treated olives usually get packed in a brine solution for storage. 

Water Curing

Fresh olives can be split or cut and soaked in water to remove the bitter compounds. This process takes the shortest amount of time, but water curing removes the least amount of oleuropein, so olives treated this way will still retain some of their bitterness. 

Water-cured olives get soaked in a bath, changing the water daily for a week or two depending on the desired level of bitterness. Afterward, pack the olives in a vinegar, brine solution for storage.

Dry Salt Curing

Smaller, ripened olives are used for the dry salt cure method, which shrinks the olives a bit, leaving them soft and wrinkly. Dry salt curing is another method that does not remove all the bitter compounds, leaving a slightly bitter taste in the finished product. 

Dry salt curing takes 5 to 6 weeks to finish. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Olives

Olives and olive oil

Can You Eat Raw Fresh Olives?

Yes, you can eat raw olives, but most people will not want to after the first bite. There may be some people who have built up a tolerance to the bitterness in raw olives, but these people are the ones growing and harvesting them. They need to taste them to make sure they are growing a good crop. 

How Do You Prepare Olives Off The Tree?

There are several factors involved when preparing olives from the tree. What flavors you are looking for, how ripe the olives are, how much time you will spend on preparing the olives, and what variety of olive you will use are all questions you need to be taken into consideration when preparing fresh raw olives. 

Some olives benefit from brine or lye curing, whereas if you are looking to keep some of the bitterness for extra flavor, you could think about water or dry salt curing. It all depends on what end product you are looking for. 

When Can You Eat Olives Off The Tree?

Since there is such an intense bitterness in olives on the tree, you cannot eat them until they are cured to remove those bitter compounds. Unless you are attempting to win a bet, or you like to torture yourself, it’s best to leave the olives on the tree alone. 

That’s A Wrap!

There it is, 5 reasons you should not eat olives straight from the tree. They are extremely bitter, the texture is not what we are used to with olives, and they have pits in them. Fresh olives are not clean, and raw olives have to be cured first to be edible. 

Olives have been processed and eaten for thousands of years, and even our earliest ancestors knew they needed to be cured one way or another. All to become the delicious fruit we now put on pizzas, consume as appetizers, or add to our salads. 

If you find yourself meandering among a grove of olive trees in a fairytale Mediterranean setting, resist the urge to pluck an olive from the tree. Whatever you do, do not put it in your mouth.

The resulting shock of crunchy, hard, and breathtaking bitterness will leave a foul taste in your mouth. Stick to the jarred, prepared varieties instead, you’ll be glad you did.

References

Barbaro, B., Toietta, G., Maggio, R., Arciello, M., Tarocchi, M., Galli, A., & Balsano, C. (2014). Effects of the Olive-Derived Polyphenol Oleuropein on Human Health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences15(10), 18508–18524.

Rebecca L. Johnson, Alyson E. Mitchell, “Reducing Phenolics Related to Bitterness in Table Olives”, Journal of Food Quality, vol. 2018, Article ID 3193185, 12 pages, 2018.

When oaks trees are fully covered in leaves, you may wonder just how many leaves they have. They grow quite old, sometimes over 100 years easily and, some species over 1000. Let’s answer the question of how many leaves are on a full grown oak tree and more amazing facts.  

A full grown oak tree can have anywhere from thousands of leaves up to even 1 million leaves. Oak trees are considered fully grown at 30-40 years. To get the approximate number of leaves on your tree, measure the width of the oak under the crown. For every 25 feet, oak trees have approximately 30,000 leaves.

Read on to find out facts you will want to know about your full-grown oak tree, including tree/leaf maintenance and identifying oak trees!

How Do I Measure My Oak Tree To Know How Many Leaves Are On It?

So, to actually measure your oak tree and understand just how many leaves that you may have to rake up when they all fall, you’ll first need to actually MEASURE your oak tree.

To do this, you’ll ideally want a soft measuring tape as opposed to a hard one so it will wrap accurately and tightly around your oak tree. A good soft measuring tape option is LAND’s Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure which will give you more than enough room to measure your tree.

Next, you’ll want to take the measuring tape and wrap it around the thickest part of the trunk near the base of the tree. You won’t want to measure all the way at the bottom of the trunk near the ground, but somewhere near chest level for you.

You can also get a ladder and measure directly in the middle of the tree but, this isn’t really worth it unless you need the most accurate measurement possible.

To measure your oak tree to see how many leaves it has, wrap your soft measuring tape around the tree to get it’s total circumference. Divide the total feet by 25ft, and multiply that number by 30,000. This will give you a rough estimate of how many leaves you have on your tree.

For example, if your oak tree is approximately 26ft around the trunk of the tree, your oak tree may have around 31,200 leaves.

You could additionally do this will ALL the oak tree on your property, and learn just how many rakes you’ll need to get this year!

With that being said, now is a great time to mention our guide on oak tree leaves called: How Big Do Oak Tree Leaves Get? Leaf Identification

What Is Special About An Oak Tree?

The grand oak tree is a symbol of great strength and wisdom. A member of the Quercus genus, there are up to 800 different species native to the Northern hemisphere. 

The oak tree is important for both humans and beasts all over the planet. Natural medical practitioners have used its bark in specialized ways for many years.

It yields acorns which is a food source for animals. They find them in large groups, which then provide shelter to many species of animals.

Next time you look at art involving trees–the oak is showcased many times over. A brush on canvas complements the lines and twists of oak trees.

Why Should I Plant An Oak Tree?

The Oak Tree Is A Generational Tree

If you have a property you want to make a garden, something generations to come can enjoy, then any appropriate species of oak fits well. So this is the first reason to plant an oak tree specifically. 

You can buy seeds like the White Oak Tree Seeds for Planting by The CZ Grain Company. It comes with 10 large acorns, which should be stratified for 30-60 days after you receive them. They include a video link and paper instructions with each order as well!

This article, How To Grow An Oak Tree From An Acorn (6 Easy Steps), would also be a fantastic guide throughout your journey. If you decide to plant an oak tree, give it a read!

The reason we are referring to the oak tree as generational is it’s still at the beginning of its lifespan at 30-40 years of age; when humans are middle-aged–the oak tree is just getting started!

This means if you plant it when you are in your 20s or younger, your grandchildren and their kids can enjoy the full-grown oak tree! 

Regardless of when you plant, you may still want to plant them all over the property properly, which we will get into next. Then you can enjoy a full fall color show from the bold and beautiful seasonal leaf turning. 

You Will Enjoy The Fall Leaf Colors

From the very first year, the oak trees show off their colors! Some are more muted and others are brilliant and bright! 

Kids love the memories of playing in the oak leaves!

Oak Trees Can Typically Live 200 Years

oak tree branch, copy-space background

Around the globe, they have found species as old as 1000 years old. Like this article about the British oak. So you are not only creating history for your family but creating oxygen for the planet and helping the ecosystem greatly. 

They do not have many issues as they grow, but you must take care of them properly. This is especially true if you are planting them from the acorn, which we will get into later. 

They grow healthy and vibrant from the start and even in their last days–a century or more–they stay gorgeous. Yes, identifying a dying tree without a professional can be difficult. 

Oak Trees Provide A Habitat For Many Creatures

If you want to draw creatures to your yard, then for sure, plant some oak trees! Squirrel and deer and the most common of the acorn marauders.

Oak trees attract over 100 vertebrate species of animals in the US.

Some creatures that live in oak trees are:

  • Squirrels- especially flying squirrels and grey or red squirrels.
  • Chipmunks
  • Wood Ducks
  • Blue Jays
  • Crows. 
  • Quails
  • Wild Turkeys
  • Rabbits
  • Raccoons
  • Possums

You can read more about what creatures live in trees in our article: 9 Different Animals And Insects That Live In Trees

Oak Trees Are Fairly Low Maintenance

All you need to do is read up on how to take care of the Oak, and let them grow! There is not a lot you need to do with this practically self-maintaining tree. Infestations or diseases are not something you have to worry much about with oak trees.

Oak tree diseases are not unheard of though. You can learn more about the most common issues here in our article: What’s Wrong With My Oak Tree? 10 Most Common Oak Diseases

How To Maintain An Oak Tree

As we mentioned in the last point, the oak tree does not need a lot of maintenance, but there are some very important things you should do. It is still possible to stunt the growth of your oak tree or harm it in other ways.

  • The Root Zone: The root zone is the area 6 feet from the trunk. If possible, maintain an additional ⅓ of the distance from the edge of the foliage. This area is commonly called the drip line. 

Make sure you keep things off of those areas and do not dig or interrupt them. This is the root zone, which is where food, water, and airflow must be free to feed the tree.

  • Low Pruning Your Oak Tree: The full-grown oak only needs to be pruned in the dry season and to get rid of dead or weak branches. You do not want one of those big heavy things dropping on you or someone else–it’s a lawsuit or worse.
  • Irrigation of your Oak Tree: Go to the outer edge ⅔ the way from the root zone and water the area deeply. To keep the weeds from drawing nutrients and water away from the tree root system–put down organic mulch. 
  • Fertilization: If you have a new tree, you can use fertilization to establish it quicker. Hire a professional to do it properly to make sure the tree stays healthy. 

On the mature oak tree, you will not have to fertilize unless there is unusually poor growth or disease. This TreeHelp Annual Care Kit for Oak is a great place to start with a new tree though. It is a complete care package for all your tree’s needs.

  • Planting around the Oak: Use drought-tolerant plants only. Never plant around the root system or up against the tree. Remember to leave the 6-foot radius around the tree. 

7 Amazing Facts About Oak Trees

Dawn, the young leaves of oak trees covered the first rays of the sun.
  1. Oak trees have two categories.

Oak trees can be considered trees or shrubs. Yup, you heard right. 

This is because they can reach a towering height of 148 feet, which accounts for the tree title. Besides, they look a lot more like a tree than a shrub. 

However, their branches also sprawl out quite far and can have branches from near the ground to touching the sky! 

  1. Oak trees have lived on the planet for 65 million years. 

Their leaves and acorns, which are the hard shell the seed comes in, are coated with tannic acid.

No fungi or any other creepy business lives through it, so they slime on out of there! 

  1. They can live 7-10 centuries! Which is 700 to 1000 years. Could you imagine? On one hand, this is not a long time and on another–it seems like forever compared to the time humans have on the planet.
  1. Oak trees produce 10 million acorns, the hard-shelled nut-like thing that falls from an oak tree. It contains one seed, which becomes a tree in the right conditions. However, the wildlife who enjoy them eat a majority of the acorns.

These acorns can have many amazing uses, which you can read about here: 9 Amazing Fallen Acorn Uses (And What to Do With Them).

Dogs, horses, and other large animals cannot eat them. They can be deadly. 

  1. Oak trees have over 600 species. The Americas, including Mexico, have a good number of these species. Mexico has 160 endemic species, and in North America, there are 90.
  1. Mandeville Louisiana houses the largest oak tree still alive. Professionals have also estimated it to be approximately 1500 years old. So, if it is true, then it knocks out the record for 1000 years.
  1. Wine barrels are made from oak wood because it is the best wood to age wine in. The wood can give a coconut, vanilla, and smoky tinge to the wine. This is a tradition people have carried on throughout centuries.  
  1. Like Truffles with your wine? You have oak trees to thank for them. 

How Do You Identify An Oak Tree?

Autumn. Fall. Autumnal Park. Autumn Tree.

There are tons of big and amazing-looking trees around. However, many species fall into the oak tree category. If you think you have one or are walking through nature and want to identify one, then do read on! 

You can find oak trees in North America, Mexico, Europe, and Asia, to name a few. Some are deciduous, while others are evergreen or semi-evergreen. Some are trees and some are classed as shrubs. 

They can survive very well in hot tropical or cold climates. They are by far one of the heartiest, if not the absolute hardiest, of all the trees in the tree kingdom. Sort of the green king of the jungle. 

Red And White Oaks

The first step is to identify which oak trees are growing in your region. Let’s use North America as an example here. 

Here, you would look for two types of oak trees. The red and the white oak tree. 

For the red oak, you would look for darker bark like a tanner color and lobed leaves, which come to a point sort of like a maple leaf. Though oak leaves are skinnier than maple. 

The white oak has a lighter bark with more rounded lobes. Between the lobes lie sinuses. They can be deep or shallow and will give the lobes their character. 

For a more detailed look at these two types of oak tree, consider reading Red Oak vs. White Oak Tree Growth Rate & Key Differences!

Using Leaves To Identify Oak Trees

Some evergreen species are smoother without sinuses and have a more fluid look with little shape.

The branches on an oak will grow from one central location and branch out. The leaves are more spiral from the stem and will never appear flat. 

The geographic region and the appearance of acorns are also important to identify oak trees.

The leaf color should also correspond to the season. The green leaves appear in summer–the red leaves appear in the fall and the brown in winter. This is a great telltale sign you have an oak. 

Of course, match the leaves up with the two possible shapes we mentioned along with the other facts we provided to decide if you have an oak tree.

If it’s in the early spring and you spot pinkish leaves, wait to see if they turn green shortly. This is another way to be sure. 

Oaks love their leaves and hate to part with them. Though you would not know it by the amount of them you may have to rake and bag. However, a young tree will hold its leaf stock well into spring and older trees will still wait until the new tender baby leaves come out.

Oak leaves decay at a much slower rate than other species of tree. They are great for self-fertilization. The oak needs no fertilizer unless something unusual like disease and poor growth happens. By understanding these facts, you will see how incredible this tree is. 

Oak leaves can also vary in size, among other things, and are actually generally targeted by insects of all types. To learn more about what happens, check out our guide: 5 Animals & Insects That Eat Oak Tree Leaves

Why Is There A Decline In Oak Trees?

Oak trees are in decline mostly because of our climate changes causing prolonged droughts. This can cause fires, and soil issues caused by humans moving in on vast territories are the cause for some other factors. 

Typically, apart from a direct hit from fire, oak trees can withstand some of these things, but fungi, infestations, and disease follow. That is just too much for an oak tree. 

We have no affiliation with them, but if you are a tree lover and want to help, you could join a charity of your choice like Save The Oaks who, according to their website, save saplings.

That’s A Wrap!

Well, that’s all we’ve got! We hope you have as much fun identifying and learning about Oak trees as we have teaching you. They are a majestic creation that deserves our reverence and protection. 

References

Reyes-French, G., & Cohen, T. J. (1991). A Mitigation Process for Impacts of the All American Pipeline on Oak Woodlands in Santa Barbara County. In: Standiford, Richard B., Tech. Coord. 1991. Proceedings of the Symposium on Oak Woodlands and Hardwood Rangeland Management; October 31 – November 2, 1990; Davis, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-126. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; P. 255-261126.

Dagit, R., Carlberg, C., Cuba, C., & Scott, T. (2015). Economic incentives for oak woodland preservation and conservation. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-251. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 457-469251, 457–469.

Light, R. H., & Pedroni, L. E. (2002). When oak ordinances fail: unaddressed issues of oak conservation. In: Standiford, Richard B., et Al, Tech. Editor. Proceedings of the Fifth Symposium on Oak Woodlands: Oaks in California’s Challenging Landscape. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-184, Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: 483-500184.

Tree frogs are a large family of frogs that can be found in tropical forests, near ponds, in backyards, and even in pet terrariums. Because tree frogs are such a large and diverse group of amphibians, there is a lot of variability in their lifespans and habitats

On average, tree frogs live between 3-6 years. Small-sized tree frogs tend to have shorter lifespans, with some only living for a few months long enough to ensure the survival of a new generation. Larger species are popular beginner pets and have lived up to 21 years in captivity with proper care.

Read on to find out more about how long tree frogs live and where you can find them in the wild. You’ll learn more about what tree frogs are, how they fit into the ecosystem and their role with people!

How Long Can Tree Frogs Live?

Okay, on to our initial question! From finding food and water, to escaping predators and staying healthy in a stable habitat, tree frogs live a life wrought with uncertainty. Assuming tree frogs survive, how long can they live?

Tree Frog’s Lifespan Varies Between Species 

Since there are so many different kinds of tree frogs, it is no surprise that there is a lot of variability in their lifespans. There is still a lot we don’t know about their lives, but here’s what we do know.

Many species of tree frogs are long-lived. White’s Tree Frog and the Australian Tree Frog live to be 15 years old in captivity, with one White’s Tree Frog living to be 21 years old! The iconic Red-Eyed Tree Frog also has a long life span, living up to 20 years in captivity, but rarely survives past 5 years in the wild.

In the wild, their natural lifespan is much shorter. Even long-lived tree frogs usually only survive 3-6 years in the wild. White’s Tree Frog lives for about 7 years in the wild, while the Cuban Tree Frog can live up to 10 years in the wild. 

Bigger Tree Frogs Usually Live Longer

Smaller tree frogs tend to have shorter lifespans, while larger frogs live longer. There are a few reasons this is thought to be true.

  • Larger tree frogs can maintain a stable body temperature easier.
  • Larger tree frogs are more resistant to starvation and eat less frequently.

We already looked at some of the larger tree frogs, like White’s Tree Frog which measures 11.5 inches fully grown. So let’s take a look at the smaller species of tree frogs.

Chorus frogs are about the size of a grape. Their chorus can be heard over half a mile on way on warm nights throughout most of the United States. They usually only live for about a year in the wild, but can live up to 5 years in the wild, and 10 years in captivity.

Spring Peepers are small tree frogs, about the length of a paperclip. Their calls are commonly heard in the United States, and they are known to sound like young chickens. They live for a maximum of 4 years. 

Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs are part of the tree frog family. They are about 1.5 inches long when mature, about the size of a walnut. Most individuals only live about 4 months, with an average of about a year. In captivity, they can live up to 7 years old.

Tree Frogs In Colder Climates Usually Live Longer

Unfortunately, the bright-colored tree frogs of the tropics, where it’s warm all year, just don’t live as long as their cousins in colder places of the world. This phenomenon seems to be due to cold temperatures slowing metabolic rate and growth. Tropical tree frogs burn out faster.

Tree frogs that live in colder climates also have a special adaption to handle freezing weather. They go into a state of inactivity almost like hibernation, but in the case of tree frogs, as well as other amphibians and reptiles, it is called brumation. This reduces their metabolic rate and allows them to go dormant during cold months. 

During brumation they will be unable to escape predators, so tree frogs need a place to hide. Most tree frogs bury themselves into the soil or leaf litter, while others find crevices in trees and logs. Some tree frogs, like Spring Peepers, are known for being able to survive being frozen!

How Are Tree Frog Lifespans Measured?

Not all 800 species of tree frogs have been studied. The tree frogs that we do have lifespan data on come from tagging or the pet trade. 

Tagging is a way scientists can identify different individuals. Tagging can include making small incisions on their toes, with each individual having a unique pattern. However, as toes are limited, this limits the number of individuals that can be tagged. Tagging can also include small tags that are clipped to the back of the jaws, similar to how fish are tagged. 

Tree frogs that are tagged in the wild can be recaught multiple times, giving scientists an estimate of their average lifespan. This method requires scientists to be able to refind individuals, which can be very difficult in the wild.

The other way we learn about their lifespans is from pet owners. Tree frogs are popular as beginner pets and for frog enthusiasts.  As pets, they have full access to food and water, free from predators, disease, and other environmental hardships.

Data from pet owners give scientists an idea of their maximum lifespan but doesn’t say much for their normal lifespan in their natural state.

8 Interesting Facts About Tree Frogs

The name “tree frog” is a bit misleading, as they don’t all live in trees, some making their homes near water or moist ground cover instead! To further complicate matters, not all species of frogs that live in trees are called tree frogs.

The spring chorus of tree frogs is a welcome sign of warmer weather after a long winter. Tree frogs are admired all over the world, even winning the spot for the 2021 mascot of Cadbury. Easter Tree Frog has a nice ring to it, right?

They might not all live in trees, but there is one characteristic that all members in this group share and it’s on their feet. In addition to toe pads to help them climb trees, the terminal phalanx (which is just the scientific name for the last bone in their toes) is shaped like a claw.

Tree Frogs Are Not Toads

Both toads and frogs are amphibians. “Frog” is a catch-all term that also applies to toads. However, toads are a very different family within the frogs, so frogs are not toads. 

There are a few differences between the two to help tell them apart.

While frogs have long hindlegs capable of propelling them long distances, toads have shorter legs that are better equipped for walking and short-distance hopping. When approached, frogs are quick to hop away. On the other hand, toads tend to sit still, hoping they won’t be noticed.

You can also tell frogs and toads apart by their different eyes. Toads usually have big eyes that stick out. Frog eyes appear smaller and bulge out less. But this characteristic can be pretty tricky unless you have experience comparing frog eyes.

The best characteristic to tell them apart is their skin. Frogs have smooth, even slimy skin since they spend most of their time near water. Toads have warty, dry skin since they spend more time away from water sources.

Tree Frogs Are Small 

While other families of frogs have members that can grow to be over a foot long, tree frogs are all small in size. They range from less than an inch (2.5 cm) to 5.5 inches (14 cm). That’s about from the size of a grape to the size of a Bic pen. 

Their small size is helpful. Tree frogs that do live in trees are usually on the smaller side as it helps them to hold onto small branches and leaves without breaking them and falling to the ground where predators could find them.  

Tree Frogs Come In Many Colors

Small orange frog sitting on a leaf

In the United States, there are about 30 different kinds of tree frogs. They can be green, gray, or brown. Some can even color change, such as the squirrel tree frog (Hyla squirella), which quickly changes from green to brown in response to its environment or activities!

Frogs love humidity, so in the tropical forests of Central and South America, more than 300 species of tree frogs can be found. Many tropical tree frogs are like colorful jewels. Some species have bright colors, showing swatches of blues, reds, oranges, and pinks. 

Tree Frogs Eat Insects 

Tree frogs are all insectivores, meaning they eat insects. They are also opportunistic sit-and-wait predators. Active hunting requires a lot of energy and puts them at risk of running into a predator. Therefore, most tree frogs and frogs, in general, tend not to go out looking for food, unless extreme hunger compels them. 

Instead, tree frogs are passive hunters that wait for the meal to come to them. Their long, sticky tongues are folded up at rest. Once prey is spotted they quickly unfurl their tongue with accuracy. If a prey item is just out of reach the tree frog uses its long legs to jump closer to its prey.

Tree frogs feast on small invertebrates that most people consider to be pests such as crickets, flies, ants, and even mosquitos! A tree frog can consume thousands of mosquitoes per year. Thanks, tree frogs!

Another interesting thing about tree frogs, and other frogs, is that they blink every time they swallow their food. This is because frogs do not chew their food and swallow prey whole. They use their eyes to help push their food down.

Tree Frogs Start Out As Tadpoles

Treefrog tadpole changing into a frog

While some frogs hatch out of eggs looking like miniature adults, other frogs have a larval life stage. Tadpoles are baby frogs that have not yet undergone a metamorphosis into adults.

Tadpoles have tails and lack legs, so they usually spend this part of their life cycle in water. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. 

Younger tadpoles tend to eat small aquatic plants and algae. Older tadpoles become voracious feeders as froglets begin the transition into froghood. They’ll eat anything that fits inside their mouths, including small fish. 

Tree Frogs Are Hard For Predators To Catch

On the other side of the food chain, tree frogs and tadpoles are important sources of food for other animals. Just about any carnivorous mammal, bird, fish, or reptile will make a meal out of tree frogs. That is, assuming they can find and catch these elusive amphibians.

Most tree frogs have excellent camouflage to live under the radar of predators. Their greens, greys, and browns allow them to blend into the trees, leaves, or ground they live on. Even colorful tropical tree frogs have adapted behaviors to help them blend into their surroundings.

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is a popular and well-known representative of tree frogs. It is named for its vivid red eyes and identified by its green body, bright orange feet, and bright blue and yellow stripes on its sides.

When threatened by a predator the Red-Eyed Tree Frog jumps away, tucks in its legs to hide its bright feet and sides, and closes its eyes. This allows it to blend in more naturally to its environment.

Besides camouflage, tree frogs have a variety of other tricks they can use to escape.

Other tree frogs that are threatened by predators use their bright colors to their advantage. Instead of hiding their colors, they show them off. In doing so, bright-colored tree frogs hope to confuse predators and possibly mimic some of their other brightly colored dart frog cousins, which predators quickly recognize as being toxic and inedible.

One tree frog has an interesting and unique way to escape predators. The Gliding Tree Frog lives in the canopies of trees. Can you guess its superpower? 

If you said the power to glide, you’d be correct! 

This rare tree frog jumps from the treetops and freefalls. By spreading out its legs and webbed toes to create little parachutes, it can glide to the forest floor to escape predators, such as snakes and birds of prey.

Tree Frogs Don’t Drink Water Like Humans Do

Or breathe! Tree frogs have pretty amazing skin, and I don’t mean just a dewy complexion. Frogs can breathe and drink through their skin! This is why tree frogs are found most commonly in humid, tropical locations and right after rainfall. 

Tree Frogs Are At Risk Of Extinction 

All amphibians, including tree frogs, are among the quickest declining animal groups.

The ability to breathe through their skin makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, such as air quality. This also makes them important indicator species for healthy environments, as you won’t find them in polluted areas. Healthy populations of tree frogs indicate a healthy local ecosystem.

A fast-spreading fungus that attacks tree frogs has also been worrying scientists because once individuals become infected, it is always lethal. Tree frogs also face risks from deforestation and habitat loss.

Do Tree Frogs Make Good Pets?

Yes! Tree frogs are a great beginner pet for a few reasons.

  • Low Maintenance – Unlike dogs and cats that need frequent attention and care throughout the day, tree frogs are pretty sedentary and require very little energy to care for.
  • Terrariums Can Be Beautiful – Terrariums are filled with small branches, vibrant leaves, and soft mosses. For tree frogs, terrariums are usually taller than they are longer. Designing your terrarium to mimic tree frogs’ natural habitats is an art. And the results can be as beautiful as the tree frog. There are many options available like this Reptile Glass Terrarium.
  • Tree Frogs Are Docile – Though tree frogs do have small teeth, they have friendly reputations. Bites from tree frogs are rare and do little damage. 

Can Tree Frogs Be Handled?

Green tree frog sitting on human fingers

Some tree frogs can be safely handled when caution is used. White’s Tree Frog makes a popular pet because it tends to be pretty tame and doesn’t jump around as much as other frogs. 

However, tree frogs don’t make good cuddle buddies. Owners should wash their hands before and after handling them, as frogs can cause salmonella poisoning.

Where Are Tree Frogs Usually Found?

Tree frogs are found in every corner of the planet. One species has even adapted the ability to survive the harsh deserts of Australia! So, let’s get outside and see if we can find some tree frogs.

As a quick disclaimer, we don’t recommend handling wild tree frogs. Instead, you should contact a professional if you happen to come across one.

Tree Frogs Are Often Found Near Water

Tree frogs need still, freshwater to survive and lay eggs, and their small size prevents them from traveling far from water. Look around ponds, marshes, wetlands, and even temporary puddles near trees after heavy rainfall.

Tree Frogs Have A Unique Call

Tree frogs don’t ribbit. Each species of tree frog makes its unique call to make sure they’re attracting the correct mates. They are loudest during the breeding season, which is usually in spring, but can be all year round in the tropics.

Listen for a chorus of peeps, clicks, chirps, and croaks. Listen closely and walk closer to see if you can find the source of the sound.

Tree Frogs Often Live On Or Near Trees

Green Tree Frog in a tree

Some tree frogs may stop calling when you approach, so that’s when you’ll need to use your eyes. 

Remember that tree frogs can be quite small, under one inch, and if you’re in the United States, they can be very cryptic. Look closely at small bumps on trees and leaves. Bases of trees and underleaf litter can also be sources of tree frogs.

Check out this article 9 Different Animals and Insects That Live In Trees to learn more about other animals that call trees home!

Tree Frogs Can Be Found Most Often At Night Or Early In the Morning

Tree frogs tend to be less active in the heat of the day. You’ll start to hear their calls around sunset, which can continue into the morning. Don’t forget the flashlight!

Let’s Recap!

That’s all folks! Let’s review to see what we’ve learned about tree frogs.

Tree frogs are small insect-eating frogs that are popular beginner pets. Tree frogs breathe and drink through their skin, which comes in a variety of colors, from greens and grays to bright blues and pinks. Unfortunately, their numbers are rapidly declining. 

Tree frogs are a huge group of many different species that can live from a few months to two decades, depending on different factors such as size, climate, and whether they live in the wild or as pets.

White’s Gray Tree Frog lives the longest, up to 21 years in captivity or 7 years in the wild, while Blanchard’s Cricket Frog has the shortest life span, living from a few months in the wild or 7 years in captivity.

Tree frogs are found all over the world, near clean, still freshwater, and often, but not always, found on trees. With tree frogs being so widespread, you can likely find tree frogs locally by listening closely and looking for small bumps on and around trees.

Now, go forth, and check your local park (or pet store, if you’re looking for a new family member!) and find some tree frogs!

References

Gaston, K. J., Chown, S. L., & Evans, K. L. (2008). Ecogeographical rules: elements of a synthesis. Journal of Biogeography35(3), 483-500.

Stark, G., & Meiri, S. (2018). Cold and dark captivity: drivers of amphibian longevity. Global Ecology and Biogeography27(11), 1384-1397.

Hilje, B., Chaves, G., Klank, J., Timmerman, F., Feltham, J., Gillingwater, S., … & Rojas, E. (2020). Amphibians and Reptiles of the Tirimbina Biological Reserve: a baseline for conservation, research and environmental education in a lowland tropical wet forest in Costa Rica. Check List16, 1633.

National Wildlife Federation, & Roger Tory Peterson Institute. (2003). A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Cherries- dark, light, round, long, sweet, tart; however you may think of them, there is more to cherries than meets the eye. It may surprise you to learn that some species of cherry trees are just for looks!

A mock cherry tree is a variety of trees grown for ornamental reasons. While they produce fruit, not all of it is for consumption, and many of them are even bitter tasting. These trees often grow best in the USDA hardiness zones 4-6 and can withstand low temperatures for short periods.

If this information intrigues you and you have more questions about these trees, you are in luck! Stick with us as we discuss mock (or ornamental) cherry trees and all that goes along with this lesser-known variety. 

What Is A Mock Cherry?

The first question that will come to mind has to do with what. 

What exactly even is a mock cherry, or a mock cherry tree?

Similar to an orchard cherry, one produced to be eaten as a fruit, the ornamental cherry is produced for its visual appeal. 

The University of Maryland Extension helps us understand ornamental flowering cherries are a part of a family of trees called Rosaceae and that the typical lifespan of these trees is only 20-25 years. 

External factors such as disease, pests, and other environmental concerns, ornamental (mock) cherry trees rarely last for long. 

While their lifespan is not the most enduring, these trees are visually attractive and add a pleasant touch to wherever you plant them. 

What Are Well-Known Types Of Mock Cherry Trees? 

When thinking of mock cherry trees, you may fall short, unable to come up with any types of cherry trees that would not produce the sweet (or tart) taste we all know and love. Never fear, we have just the information you need!

Now, these may not be all the varieties of ornamental cherry trees (not even close, if we are being honest), but we hope this short list helps you to understand and even possibly identify ornamental cherry trees down the road.

If you are planning on planting any type of cherry blossom tree, you may wonder if it will give your yard a pleasant scent. You can find information on the topic here: Do Cherry Blossom Trees Smell? 9 Cherry Blossom Facts.

Kwanzan Cherry Tree

Pink Kwanzan Cherry tree in fool bloom in Mirabell palace gardens in Austria.

This mock cherry tree grows no fruit at all. Crazy, right?

At least there are no mix-ups when distinguishing if this tree has edible cherries on it. No cherries mean no worries with the Kwanzan cherry tree. 

This low-maintenance variety of cherry tree is a bit showier, with brighter colors and larger flowers. 

The pink double blossoms of a Kwanzan cherry tree often draw interest from spectators, and critics, everywhere. Not only are the flowers made of double blossoms, but they cluster together in groups of 3-5. 

Think this tree sounds cool? Just wait until you hear this. 

Kwanzan cherry tree flowers also sport nearly 30 petals per blossom. When you combine the double blossom with 30 petals each, clustered in groups of 3-5, one can only imagine how stunning this tree becomes in the spring!

If not, there are plenty of cherry blossom festivals all around the world and this species is a fan-favorite every single time!

In fact, on top of festivals in the tree’s native Japan, this ornamental cherry tree is featured in many US cherry blossom festivals like the popular Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

You can see this showstopper for yourself, somewhere closer to home.

Yoshino Cherry Tree

This is another ornamental cherry tree sporting a white flower, though this one is much bigger than the Carolina cherry laurel. 

The Yoshino cherry tree’s flower has a similarly delicate look to it while benefiting from a fuller, more luscious overall appearance. 

With single blossoms, the flowers are clustered in groups of 2-5, which adds to the appearance of fullness in these blossoms. 

It’s all about the angles, right?

Akebono Cherry Tree

This species is, unfortunately, losing a bit of its popularity to newer ones, but the Akebono cherry tree still has much to offer. 

It is unique because its flowers change throughout their bloom, shifting from a pale pink to a bright white during spring. 

With a single blossom and clusters of 2-5, these flowers are also pretty subtle but beautiful.

Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree

You will find semi-double blossomed, pink flowers all over the autumn-flowering cherry tree. Its name derives from how this tree famously blooms during warm parts of fall, before fully blooming in the spring. 

What a wonder when this tree blooms unexpectedly as other trees are losing their leaves, or preparing to stay in the same evergreen disposition.

This means their small clusters of flowers are seen more than once a year, which is a magnificent thing on its own, but two separate times during a single year.

Sargent Cherry/North Japanese Hill Cherry Tree

Prunus sargentii accolade sargent cherry flowering tree branches, beautiful groups light pink petal flowers in bloom and small buds in sunlight against blue sky


The Sargent cherry tree, also known as the north Japanese hill cherry tree, is native to both Japan and Korea. 

Its blossoms are single, but clustered, and come in a deep pink color many associate with the very popular ‘Japanese Cherry Blossom.’ 

While many people might assume this popular spring phenomenon in Japan relates to a single type of tree, there are many species involved in the cherry blossoming of the spring. 

This is, however, one of the most notable varieties of blossoming cherry trees, and for good reason. 

While other ornamental cherry trees may only grow to be about 40 feet tall at a maximum, this species can easily make its way up to 60 feet tall in the wild. 

Fugenzo Cherry/Shirofugen Cherry Tree

Speaking of Japan, let’s not forget cherry trees originated in that corner of the world. 

While there is notable debate about whether South Korea, China, or Japan can rightfully stake their claim as the homeland of cherry blossoms, it is most important to know these trees are all descended from this area of the world.

The Fungenzo cherry tree (also known as Shirofugen cherry) is one of the oldest Japanese-cultivated cherry trees out there. It produces beautiful flower blossoms that honor the tradition that goes back at least hundreds of years, possibly longer.

With a double blossom and 30-40 petals each, you will see the flowers in a range of colors spanning from a rose pink to a light, nearly white but not quite color, which signals the aging of the flower.

Okame Cherry Tree

The okame cherry is said to flower the earliest of the cherry blossoms in the spring. The autumn-flowering cherry tree does not give much room for other cherry trees to earn this superlative in a year-round context.

With semi-double, bright pink blossoms, this is another crowd-pleaser and the droopy look of the flowers adds a level of singularity many people are drawn to.

Weeping Cherry Tree

Beautiful pink Shidarezakura(Weeping Cherry blossoms) at Tenshochi Park,Kitakami,Iwate,Tohoku,Japan in spring.

Alright, speaking of droopy cherry blossoms, we would be remiss to leave out the weeping cherry tree. 

Think of the commonly known weeping willow and the popular north Japanese hill cherry. 

Now, imagine they combined forces and created a hybrid tree. It is both cool and collected while being bright and vivacious all at the same time. 

Perfect, you’ve got yourself the weeping cherry tree!

This tree originates as a cherry tree grafted onto another tree to create the weeping effect, and this was first cultivated in Japan centuries ago. 

For this reason, it is difficult to pin down what the flowers of this tree might look like, as there is so much variety within this type of tree. 

However, this is one you will not want to miss when you hit a cherry blossom festival or are looking to get an ornamental cherry tree of your own!

How Long Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Live?

Realistically, this timeline depends on the species of the ornamental cherry tree itself. 

Kwanzan cherries live up to 15-25 years, while some live longer and some may live shorter. 

For example, some other species have can live around 30-40 years, instead of adhering to their relatives’ slightly shorten lifespans.

You can realistically expect your ornamental cherry tree will be around for 25 odd years but keep in mind some factors may shorten or lengthen this lifespan.

How Big Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Get?

Ornamental cherry trees usually grow to about 30-40 feet tall, depending on some environmental factors such as sunlight, soil quality, and how many other plants may share the same patch of land. 

The National Parks Service offers a list of some types of cherry trees at a festival, all of which range from 15-50 feet tall, while we know some species of ornamental cherry trees grow to be a bit taller than this.

How Can You Tell If A Cherry Tree Is Ornamental?

While most ornamental cherry trees produce no fruit at all, there are a few varieties listed above capable of producing fruit, but also get grouped along with trees that do not. 

This may seem confusing, but just know the Carolina cherry laurel is an exception to the rule. 

An ornamental cherry tree will have either single, double, or semi-double blossoms, most often white or pink. 

It is easiest to identify a mock cherry tree during the spring when these trees are in bloom. Otherwise, you can look at the leaves, bark, and other key factors used to identify any tree.

Where Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Grow Best?

Like all other types of trees, there are certain regions that ornamental cherry trees will do their best growing in. 

If you are someone looking to grow your trees in the United States, the USDA has a map of hardiness zones with information about which regions drop to certain low temperatures. 

From there, you can determine if your area is suitable for growing any type of tree. 

USDA hardiness zones 4-6 are often the best overall locations in which an ornamental cherry tree will thrive.

This means that an ornamental cherry tree can survive, and possibly thrive, in locations that have a low temperature of -25 degrees Fahrenheit through -5 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Keep in mind this does not mean you should try to grow these trees in areas where those low temperatures are the average. They are simply indicators of extremely low temperatures a region may experience once in a while, that a cherry tree could withstand. A different scenario arises when your average temperature gets that cold. 

How To Keep Ornamental Cherry Trees Healthy 

Beautiful Sakura pink flower on mountain with lake in thailand, cherry blossom

Ornamental cherry trees certainly do not have the longest lifespans, especially in relation to some other types of trees. However, there are many things you can do to help ensure your tree not only grows but thrives during its time here.

Pick The Right Location

The location in which you decide to plant your ornamental cherry tree is important. 

You will want to be sure you are not planting too close to any foundations of homes or other buildings, as well as giving enough space from other trees to ensure yours will get enough sunlight. 

It may not be the absolute most important thing about growing a cherry tree (of any kind), but it will help make your tree journey much easier in the long run. 

What exactly do we mean by right location, though? Well, the right location has to do with factors like sunlight and soil quality, but also with fertilization and access to water. Finally, keep those USDA hardiness zones we mentioned above in mind.

Utilize Your Land

So, by utilizing your land, you should be able to find somewhere with the right amount of space so for your cherry tree. 

Overcrowding of roots is an issue, sure, but it is also key to remember the more plants there are in a plot of soil, the fewer nutrients each plant can access. 

With knowledge about which plants can cohabitate without leeching nutrients, you can avoid this. If plants require different nutrients, they can survive close to each other.

If you do not have this knowledge or do not have a desire to research it, it is better to play it safe and separate your plants a bit.

Another way to help prevent root crowding is planting trees with shallow roots. You can find a wonderful list in this article about fruit trees specifically, 6 Best Fruit Trees That Have Shallow Roots: Identification Guide.

Look for an area with plenty of sunlight and space. If it will also showcase your ornamental cherry tree, it may just be the perfect spot for one.  

It’s ornamental for a reason, after all. You want people to see this beautiful specimen you have been growing.

You deserve to show off your hard work and (we hope) your neighbors deserve to drive by your magnificent cherry tree in bloom.

Fertilize Your Cherry Tree!

If you have read nearly any other piece that we have written, you will be familiar with the idea that fertilization is key to growing happy, healthy, and resilient plants. 

We need our nutrients, so who is to say trees do not need the same TLC we would expect to nurture our growing selves?

You will want a pretty balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 granular fertilizer like this Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer is a great option. 

This fertilizer is an easy to apply, homogenous mixture. With an even sprinkling of fertilizer, followed by water, you can provide your tree with the nutrients it needs.

Keep The Cherry Tree Hydrated

Trees need water, just like most all other plants. 

Ornamental cherry trees are no exception. 

Water your tree often, especially if you live in a region with less rainfall. 

That’s All for Now!

We hope this was cherry helpful. 

Too much? Probably. 

Anyway, now you have learned a bit more about what exactly a mock (ornamental) cherry tree is, where they might do best once planted, and how else to care for these beautiful beings. It is obvious there is a lot to love about them.

Whether you are hoping to plant an ornamental cherry tree in front of your home or business, or are simply interested in learning more about this beautiful tree family, we certainly hope you got what you came for.

As always, thanks for sticking with us. Hope to see you again soon!

References

Hokanson, K. E., & Pooler, M. R. (2000). Regeneration of Ornamental Cherry (Prunus) Taxa from Mature Stored Seed. HortScience35(4), 745–748.

Jacobs, K. A., & Johnson, G. R. (1996). Ornamental Cherry Tolerance of Flooding and Phytophthora Root Rot. HortScience31(6), 988–991.

One of the most popular trees out there, oaks are a fixture throughout the many wooded areas of the world. It’s no wonder that these trees pop up so often, whether you see them as young trees beginning to grow in a developing neighborhood or as ancient beings with hundreds of years of life experiences behind them.

Oak trees typically fall due to old age, wind, or lightning strikes. Typically, you can still use most fallen oak tree wood on your property! The best fallen oak tree uses include cutting the wood for firewood, turning the oak wood into mulch, and using the wood for creative landscaping.

So, without further adieu, let’s discuss what to do with a fallen oak tree if it so happens to fall in your area. Are you ready? We are! Let’s get into the 9 BEST fallen oak tree uses and what to do with them. 

What Is An Oak Tree? 

The massive and old Angel Oak Tree in South Carolina

Oak trees have around 500 subspecies of trees and shrubs that are distributed throughout the world. 

These trees contain both female and male flowers, which reproduce to create an acorn, the ‘oak nut’ which acts as the seed of the tree. 

There are so many types of oaks, each of which is good for different things. Both red and white oaks (the two main categories that subspecies fall into) are commonly used for lumber when cut down, producing furniture and flooring while also being used in millwork, construction, and more. 

If you wish to grow your own oak tree for aesthetic or practical purposes, something like these Red Oak Tree Seeds from CZ Grain could help get you started!

What happens when the oak tree is not intentionally cut down for use but falls for whatever external reason? 

We’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into what you should do when a tree first falls on your property. 

What Do You Do With A Fallen Tree In Your Yard?

One of the first things you’ll want to do when dealing with a fallen tree is inspected the wood of the tree. It’s important to know that you cannot necessarily repurpose every tree. Some factors might render the wood unusable, unfortunately. 

For example, if a fallen tree ends up having been infested by insects or disease, the wood will likely be rotten, brittle, or both. This weak wood will be poor to use, especially if you were hoping to create furniture or any other weight-bearing pieces from it. 

If you are creating nicknacks, you may be able to recover some sections of wood to use for more craft-based purposes. This should be done at your discretion, and with the understanding that the wood may not be as easily worked with as you might hope. 

It can be disheartening to have to completely lose a tree and not be able to repurpose its wood, but sometimes it is worth the loss to avoid further issues or injury down the road with wood that is not reliable.

If you believe that your tree may have fallen due to pest or fungus damage, you could do a little research by reading similar articles from us such as 5 Animals & Insects That Eat Oak Leaves, or 6 Simple Tips To Prevent And Remove Oak Tree Fungus to learn more!

9 Amazing Fallen Oak Tree Uses

From furniture to home decor, functionality to aesthetics, reusing wood from fallen oak trees can serve as an environmentally conscious, cost-effective way to spruce up any area. 

If you have a fallen tree, it’s time to spring into action and make use of the wood while it’s still relatively fresh. After a while, you may not have a choice between leaving the tree to nature and using it for yourself- animals move quickly, too!

Here are 9 of the best ways that you can use the wood of fallen oak trees.

Cut Fallen Oak Into Firewood

A stack of beautiful wood. firewood chopped and ready for the kindling of the fireplace lie beautifully. natural energy

Looking for a simple, not super time-consuming, way to get a fallen tree taken care of while still reaping the benefits of all your newly gained access to completely free oak wood? 

Chop the wood up and get yourself tons of firewood. Depending on the size of the tree, the temperature of your location, and the frequency that you have fires- this firewood has the potential to last you for quite a long time. 

Also dependent upon the type of equipment and experience you have, you might hire someone to help you break the tree up into pieces that have a firewood-sized width or length. Use an ax (or a woodcutter, this is easier if you have access to one) to break those pieces up into little logs that will fit into a bonfire or a fireplace and burn evenly. 

If you want to invest in a great tool for cutting up wood, you could get something like this INTERTOOL 35-Inch Splitting Maul.

One thing to consider, that the University of Kentucky reminds us of, is that your firewood will need to dry out. You can’t just chop up a fallen tree and throw it into the fire- this will create smoke and your fire is likely to fizzle out in a hazy plume. 

If you have access to a kiln, you could very quickly speed up the drying process. Most likely, you will just need to practice some patience and plan on using this firewood next year.

Fresh firewood pieces will take anywhere from 6 months to a year to dry out. Hey- we said that chopping the firewood wouldn’t take super long, this is a whole different part of the process!

Store your firewood until it can be used, mindful of the fact that a tarp can be placed over the stacks of wood to ensure that no more moisture gets into it. 

Finally, enjoy nice nights outside roasting marshmallows, or a cozy evening in front of the fireplace with some movies. Either way, this is a relatively simple method to handle a fallen oak tree that is practical and fun- all in one!

If you’re interested, take a look at our guide: 10 Best Oak Trees for Firewood Ranked to learn more about the best oak firewood!

Create Furniture That Is Eco-Friendly And Unique From Fallen Trees

You don’t have to burn the wood that you cut down. 

If you have any experience or are committed to learning how to woodwork- this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

You could build a set of patio chairs that reflect the transformation of your tree while allowing it to stay in your backyard, or on your property somewhere. 

If your home has more of a rustic feel, or you’re hoping to incorporate your fallen oak tree into the interior where it can remain well-preserved, perhaps a rocking chair or lounging chair in the corner would be a better fit. 

While there are many factors, from sanding to staining, that take place as the furniture itself is being built- you can be sure that you will have a piece that not only looks great but is also a fun conversation topic. 

Maybe you prefer to keep it simpler (and less weight-bearing) and build a little slanted shelf that could hold a few books or some blankets in your living room. 

Whatever furniture you pick will be unique, and authentically yours, bringing nature and your old tree and turning them into something that you can continue to use and appreciate.

You get to know where your wood was sourced from while making all other decisions about everything from design to comfort and where you want to display your newest furniture piece (or pieces, if you’re feeling ambitious.)

Create Other Unique Household Items With Fallen Oak Trees

Did you think it was just furniture you could make out of your fallen oak tree? No way!

So, what else could you make, in that case?

Let’s talk about a few of the unique household items you’d be able to create using your fallen oak tree’s wood.

Oak Coasters

You could create some really beautiful yet functional pieces by cutting some branches into little cylinders that are ½ inch to an inch in height.

Sand them and treat them however you see fit, and voila! You’ve got yourself some coasters that are great for a coffee table, or wherever else in your home drinks tend to get placed on bare surfaces. 

These coasters will go together, of course, but will each vary in a way that makes them fun and unique. No cookie-cutter pieces here!

Oak Tree Cutting Boards

Speaking of ‘cutting’, you could make some wonderful cutting boards out of this wood. 

Perhaps you just want one, or maybe you’ll decide to create a 5-piece set of different-sized cutting boards that can be used on all occasions. Say goodbye to plastic cutting boards and hello to durable yet-replaceable ones that should last you quite some time.

Oak Picture Frames

Looking for something that can be a bit more purely decorative? We’ve got you!

What could be better than a photo of you and a loved one, or some beautiful landscape, or a degree, surrounded by natural oak wood that frames it? The oak wood frames you use on a photo fall in your entryway may be what draws your guests’ eyes at first, but your photos will quickly become the stars of the show- as they should be. 

This is a fun way to add an extra touch to the already-personal elements of your home. 

Oak Candleholders

Are you a candle lover but tired of the same old wax warmers or little glass jars that candles come in? Add some oak wood!

Whether you opt to cut a small piece of wood (from an oak branch that is about the width of a standard drinking glass) and hollow it out far down enough to fit your favorite candle, or you simply want to sit a tea-light or candle atop a piece of oak, you will soon forget about your boredom with the old candle holders you’ve been using.

These are all great ways to add some decor to your home all while maintaining a common look and theme. Oakwood is beautiful and can be used in so many ways, including some that we haven’t yet mentioned. 

That being said, let’s continue- shall we?

Make Hanging Wall (Or Mantel Piece) Decor With Fallen Oak

If little things sitting around your house stress you out, you can opt for decor that is a little more eye-level. 

Beyond picture frames hanging on walls, you could also hang an interesting-looking piece of oak wood as a centerpiece above the focal point of a room. (Extra points if the wood looks at all like driftwood or is curved uniquely.) 

Not only would this draw the eye of anyone you invite over, but it can also be a special way to commemorate a tree that has fallen but was once important to you for any reason. 

Maybe your kids climbed the tree every day after school, or it was planted after a wedding, or you just really loved reading in the shade of its branches on hot summer days. 

No matter what the backstory may be, you can keep a piece of any special tree with you even after it has fallen.

Turn Fallen Oak Wood Into Woodchips Or Mulch

Mulch Background

Take a note from the University of Florida and go ahead and turn some of your leftover oak tree pieces into mulch!

Spreading this organic mulch around your other plants- from trees to flowers to the garden vegetables you’re growing- will help to support them. While your oak tree may be gone, it is far from finished with its work in your landscaping. Now, it just helps you out in a different way.

Instead of paying all that money to buy bags of mulch each year, you could rent a wood chipper and call it a day! 

If you see yourself doing this task more often in the future, you may want to invest in something like this Sun Joe Electric Silent Wood Chipper.

Any machinery and equipment should be mindfully operated and carefully used, of course.

Fallen Oak Can Make Great Outdoor Chairs And Tables

If you are not keen to use fallen oak wood to build chairs that go indoors, we get it! That doesn’t mean, however, that you cannot still repurpose this wood into furniture that gets used in the great outdoors. 

Just think of hosting a backyard party and getting to tell your friends or relatives that the chair they are sitting in, or the piece of wood acting as a side table, or the little outdoor coffee table, was made from that tree that blew over in the storm a while back. 

Not only is this environmentally conscious and a great way to repurpose a free and available resource, but it is also cool!

Use Oak Pieces As Decorations

Whether this looks like planning for a rustic-themed event or simply adding some character into the design of your home, pieces of wood in any shape or size are great additions to areas where you have already decorated. 

Fallen Oak Pieces At Events 

For example, if you are planning an anniversary dinner, you might gather some pinecones, needles, and other leaves to put in clear vases while sitting candles on top of little wooden coasters. These can be cut directly from branches and you can vary the size so that the look is cohesive without looking like you bought matching wood cylinders from your local craft store. 

Add an old book or some dried flowers and boom, you’ve got yourself a creative and fun centerpiece that has real thought put into it. 

Another great way to use elements that tie in an oak tree is to decorate your centerpieces with acorns and use them as additional decorations!

Fallen Oak Pieces At Home

Trying to figure out what you can do to freshen up your entry table or the alcove near your dining area? 

You can take a similar idea from the event options, and shift it into something fitting for a home decor scenario. Maybe a little less ‘centerpiece-focused’ and a little more ‘spread out throughout your home’, for example.

Do you have a bowl where your keys go once you walk in the door? Sit that on a thin but wide cylinder of wood, and place a taller but thinner (from further down the branch) piece of oak wood next to that centerpiece. 

If you want to get fancy, carve a little circular section from the top of that taller wood piece and sit a tealight into it. You can use an electric one, in the name of fire safety!

Feeling extra bold? Maybe you take a piece of the trunk or one of the largest branches (if the tree was quite mature) and turn it into a bedside table, an end table by a couch, or a statement piece by the front door where you throw your mail from time-to-time. 

The possibilities for incorporating wood as decor in your home are endless, and we know that you will do something super cool!

Use Fallen Oak For Creative Landscaping

Growing herbs and vegetables, including tomatoes, in a small Victorian kitchen garden

Keeping with the theme from a few ideas up about using some of the oak wood to create mulch, you could also always use parts of your tree as a landscaping element that is a bit more obvious. 

Line a flower bed with evenly-sized pieces of wood (cut from a medium-sized branch, for example.) Who needs rocks, anyway? These wood pieces can help prevent erosion of the soil and mulch in your flower bed while also creating a unique, fun, visual effect.

To protect yourself while moving around these pieces in your yard, you may want to put on something like these Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves.

Let Critters Live In Fallen Trees

The bird spots the owl in a tree hole.

Fallen trees can be the perfect habitat for many little creatures, from chipmunks and squirrels to raccoons and red foxes. If you have a large property and feel comfortable leaving your tree to the land you’ll create less work for yourself while providing a potential new habitat to some woodland critters. It’s a win-win if your area is appropriate for this.

Especially if you are someone that would love to be creative but just does not have the time, or if you have no interest in using the wood for anything personal. These ideas are all great, but they aren’t for everyone. 

Leaving a tree to go back to the earth is the most natural way to do it and, as long as disease or infestation is not a factor, this can be so deeply beneficial for the area around where your tree once stood.

Naturally, of course, this is just one of the amazing ways how oak trees help the environment. You can read more in our piece: 7 Amazing Ways Oak Trees Help The Environment.

That’s A Wrap!

Now that we have shared some amazing ways that you can make use of your fallen oak tree, it’s time for you to put them to the test!

So, get your saw, your ax, your hammer and nails, your wood stain, and anything else that you could need to create all of the best pieces for inside your house and out.

Remember, these are only some of the amazing uses for fallen oak trees. Get creative, and let us know if you come up with any more. This is all a new part of your tree journey, and we just hope that these ideas spark something in you- whether it be creative, functional, or both. 

The fact that a tree falls is never ideal, but the loss of your tree does not have to mean the loss of all that it has to offer. 

Like nature itself, trees can provide some pretty unexpected gifts if you take the time and effort to search for them. Plus, all that free wood should get some use out of it- do you know how much all that firewood, or a new chair, or some end tables, would cost at the store?!

Thanks for reading! If you’d like to learn more about oak trees, check out our fun article: 32 Incredible Facts About White Oak Trees.

References:

Bugalho, M. N., Caldeira, M. C., Pereira, J. S., Aronson, J., & Pausas, J. G. (2011). Mediterranean cork oak savannas require human use to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment9(5), 278-286. 

Julyus, P. (2019, November). inland waterways transportation interior decor laminated wood layout LEAN. In Nautical and Maritime Culture, from the Past to the Future: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Nautical and Maritime Culture (Vol. 3, p. 219). IOS Press.

Robinson, S. C., Tudor, D., MacDonald, G., Mansourian, Y., & Cooper, P. A. (2013). Repurposing mountain pine beetle blue wood for art through additional fungal colonization. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation85, 372-374.

Did you ever look at your cardboard delivery box and wonder how it was made, or what materials were used to make it? Trees provide us with a plethora of things, from paper, pulp, and tannins to dyes, gum, and corks. Surely you can’t make paper with just any ol’ tree, can you?

The trees used for papermaking fall into two categories: hardwood and softwood. Softwood trees like pines, spruces, hemlocks, and firs are excellent trees for paper. Hardwood trees, like poplars, birch, hickory, maple, and sweetgum, are for sturdier printing paper and magazines.

Trees are amazingly beneficial to humans, the environment, and wildlife. Let’s check out which trees can make paper and also discuss some alternatives.

How Many Trees Are Needed To Make Paper?

When you think of how thin copy paper is, you might not think it takes much to make. You would be right – a single piece of paper uses a tiny percentage of the tree. But how many people buy just a single piece of paper…. none, really.

Let’s put into perspective just how many trees are necessary to keep the world spinning. According to 2016 statistics gathered from Dartmouth University, in North America alone, each person used about 474 pounds of paper that year.

This seems like a staggering number, right? Well, take into consideration this includes ALL paper products – computer paper, newspapers, towels, toilet paper, cardboard boxes, corrugated paper, etc.

A single tree can make around 8,333 sheets of copy paper. That comes out to about 6% of a tree being used for each ream of paper (500 sheets).

You get the point… you need a lot of trees to provide paper products for everyone who needs them. So where exactly do paper industries get these trees from?

If you are interested in more information about the number of trees needed to let the paper industry thrive, check out this piece: How Many Trees Are Cut Down For One Piece Of Paper? The sheer amount is astounding.

Where Do Paper-Making Trees Come From?  

Paper industries are not out to get your lovely backyard oak for their paper products. So where do they get the trees they need?

A lot of the wood used in the paper-making business comes from waste products of lumber mills. Wood scraps, sawdust, and woodchips are all sent to paper mills to be smashed into a pulp and eventually made into paper.

This is an excellent way to reduce wasting the unusable parts of the tree at lumber mills. For example, branches typically have no use in lumber, only trunks. They can chip those branches up and ship them off to a paper mill to put them to good use!

If they do not get the trees from lumber mills, they can also get the wood from some national forests.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 190,000 acres of trees are available for harvesting in various Forest Service lands. It may seem like a lot, but the 190,000 acres is out of 193 million acres of all Service lands (about 0.1%)

When the above two options are not used, paper mills can get trees by owning forest land. They will clear-cut the trees and use seeds to replant those trees. However, they will not be ready to cut again for about a quarter of a century.

Can Paper Be Made From Any Tree?

If you can make paper from any old tree, then why not use plantations with the fastest growing trees? Unfortunately, not all trees can be used for paper.

There’s a reason some trees are better for making paper than others. Pines, spruces, birch, and hickory are all popular trees used in the paper-making industry. Using trees of a lesser quality can cost more to make in both monetary value and environmental pollution.

The harder the process to make paper, the less useful the product. Some hardwood trees have fibers too small to make into proper paper products. Instead of wasting time and energy on these trees, paper industries prefer easier trees like those mentioned above.

This process creates less waste and uses lower energy to produce paper products. Humans have been making paper for a few thousand years. Surely they have the process down by now!

You can give the process a try yourself if it piques your interest. Kits like the Aoibrloy Paper Making Screen Kit can give you a head start on your journey. They have two different sizes to choose from, so you can decide how big you want your paper to be.

9 Different Trees Used To Make Paper

Now onto the good stuff! We’re going to start with softwood trees since they are the most prized trees for paper making.

Softwoods are so valuable for paper because they have long fibers in the wood. This makes for great paper and not-so-great construction materials.

Pine Trees

Bright summer pine forest head-up view

Pine trees are conifers and evergreens, keeping their holiday-themed pine needles all year round. They are also softwood trees with long fibers good for paper making.

Even though these softwoods can be made into paper, pine trees aren’t the best choice because all pines contain pitch. This adds a few more steps in the pulping process some of the other softwood trees can skip.

According to the USDA’s Forest Products Laboratory, the most popular pine trees used to make paper include:

  • Lodgepole Pine
  • Eastern White Pine
  • Southern Yellow Pine
  • Jack Pine
  • Ponderosa Pine
  • Sugar Pine

Pine trees used in the paper industry will preferably contain as little heartwood as possible. This is the strong, albeit dead, inner part of the pine tree’s trunk.

Spruce Trees

If you are not careful, you could easily mistake a spruce tree for a pine tree. These trees are also evergreens, conifers, and softwoods with needles and cones.

One of the biggest differences between pine and spruce is the needles. Pine trees have clusters of needles connected to the pulvinus (sort of like a joint that the needles attach to), while spruces have only one needle per pulvinus.

Just like pine trees, spruce trees have a variety of different species, each with its quirks and characteristics.

Spruce trees are used for a ton of different things. They are a prized choice for Christmas trees, used to make wood for musical instruments, and, of course, paper! Pretty much all spruce trees are wonderful for the paper industry.

Hemlock Trees

You can find hemlock trees all over the United States and in Canada. Only four species are native to North America, the rest find themselves at home in Asia. 

The two big categories of hemlock are eastern and western. These names coincide with where the trees grow in the United States. No matter what species of hemlock, they are evergreen and coniferous.

Hemlocks are a lot harder to grow for sustainable purposes than other trees. They are old and wise, living as long as 900 years sometimes and take about a hundred years to mature.

There are several faster options than the hemlock.

Western hemlocks are preferred to eastern hemlocks because of the need for more bleach on eastern hemlocks. Its pulp is darker than the western hemlock and makes weaker paper.

Fir Trees

There are fir trees and then there are true fir trees. True fir trees are what we are talking about here, not those fakers like Douglas-fir.

True fir trees provide similar paper quality to spruce trees. Pretty much any true fir can make good-quality paper.

There is one exception, the California red fir. Similar to Eastern Hemlocks, Cali red firs make for a darker pulp, which requires more bleaching. Most paper manufacturers want the process to be as fast, cheap, and convenient as possible, so they opt for the better fir trees.

White Cedar Trees

Thuja occidentalis in garden center. Plant nursery.

The last softwood tree on our list is the white cedar tree. And despite its name, it is not a cedar tree. You may know them by another name: arborvitae.

These evergreen trees enjoy wet, boggy areas with well-drained soils and lots of sun. Similar to hemlock, white cedar trees grow slowly according to Iowa State University

Along with being good for the paper-making business, white cedars make fantastic privacy fences and windbreaks.

Speaking of paper-making, how do white cedar trees stack up against our other softwood trees so far? 

White cedar is easy to make into pulp with little to no extra effort. However, each tree yields less fiber than the others because of the wood being less dense than, say, a spruce tree or pine tree.

Hickory Trees

Hickory trees range from the eastern United States and west until about the middle of the country. They are not commonly found any further west.

These hardwood trees are not used as commonly as the softwood trees mentioned above, but they can be made into printing paper and writing paper. 

There are over 15 species of hickory tree, all of which belong to the walnut family. Who knew?!

Hickory trees are used more often for shipping boxes and corrugated boards, but the short fibers can be used for paper if they are in good condition. The process for making these walnut cousins into paper requires more energy than the softwoods, so it’s not highly sought after.

Poplar Trees

Aspen trees, Cottonwoods, and balsam poplars all belong to the willow family. These trees are all poplars and are rather popular in the paper-making industry.

Poplars do not make very strong paper, so they are often used to make newspapers and magazine papers with flimsy sheets. They are also used to make toilet paper.

This popular tree is both useful and nice to look at in the yard. We all know the quaking aspens that glow a brilliant yellow in the fall, but there are plenty of other species that look just as nice in your backyard.

However, you cannot plant these trees very close to buildings or other structures. The roots are very fast-growing and can damage foundations and sidewalks.

While poplars have decent wood for pulp making, they also have the benefit of being fast growers. They can grow up to five feet per year, which is significantly more than, say, an oak tree

Poplars are typically between 50 to 80 feet tall at maturity, making them a good choice for both hardwood products like lumber and plywood, as well as softwood products like paper.

Birch Trees

According to North Carolina State University, there are around sixty species of birch trees in the Northern Hemisphere. Like the other hardwood trees on our list, birch trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall and winter.

For paper-making, birch trees are similar to poplar trees. They are a hardwood tree, so the fibers are small, so the paper is less durable than a softwood tree. 

Popular paper-based products from birch trees include books, wrapping paper, and container boards such as those used to fill spaces in shipping boxes.

Birch trees do best in colder climates, where the snow covers the ground for most of the winter. You will not see a birch tree next to a palm tree very often!

Maple Trees

Yellow Maple Autumn Leaves  in Aberdeen, Scotland UK

Ah, maple syrup, the best companion to pancakes and waffles. Maple syrup does come from maple trees. As do a few paper products!

In terms of paper production, maple trees most closely resemble the paper from birch trees. The wood is often used to make container paper, books, and wrapping paper.

Being a hardwood tree, maples are used for more than just paper products. They’re also made into furniture and railroad ties according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Maple trees do not get as much use as some of the softwood trees mentioned earlier. They are also slow growers, making them more undesirable than fast-growing trees for paper making.

What Are The Best Trees To Make Paper Out Of?

Now that we have gone over the nine most popular trees that are made into paper, let’s figure out which one is the BEST to make into paper.

Spruce and fir trees are the best choice when making paper. They are moderate- to fast-growing trees, making them more renewable than some of the other choices. Spruce and true fir trees also require little energy to make into pulp.

No extra removal techniques or additional bleaching are required to turn these trees into paper. Since both spruce and fir are softwood trees, they’re also not highly sought after for furniture, cabinets, or other manufactured wood products, making them more available for paper products. 

What Are The Worst Trees To Make Paper Out Of?

As we mentioned before, not just any old tree can be used to make paper. It has to have long enough fibers to form paper properly, and the trunk must not contain a lot of heartwood.

So, which trees do paper manufacturers avoid harvesting? The least desirable trees include:

  • Bald Cypress
  • Larch
  • Redwood
  • Douglas Fir
  • Red Cedar

The reason these trees are so undesirable for making into paper is because of the lengthy (and expensive) process the wood must go through before it is viable for paper manufacturing.

The wood must undergo an alkaline process and get pre-treated with steam to be fit to make it into paper.

The additional resources and time needed to convert these trees into paper are just not worth it, especially when the finished paper is typically lower in strength and quality than other options out there.

Is Paper Always Made From Trees?

According to the University of Massachusetts, southern white pine is the most common source of paper pulp in the United States. 

While some companies try to be sustainable with their paper-making processes, they still need a ton of trees to produce the necessary amount of paper. That means clearing hundreds of acres of trees just to produce a few months’ worth of paper.

Is there anything out there we can use instead of trees to make paper? The answer is a surprising yes!

Bamboo, hemp, and cotton are all alternatives that are used to make paper. While this sounds like excellent news, you may wonder why we are still cutting down trees to make paper.

One reason is hemp was illegal in the United States until 2018 when hemp was legalized at the federal level.  It’s a great alternative to paper, but it needs to gain some traction and momentum to affect the market.

If you would like to test out hemp paper, the Green Field Paper-Hemp Heritage® Mini Ream is a great place to start. It can be used in laser or inkjet printers and is the stark white color we are used to.

A second reason is the U.S. is a little stubborn. India and China are the major producers of pulp made from bamboo, but the U.S. continues to use trees. Why? They’ve always used trees, and the paper processing plants are made for trees, not bamboo.

Seems like a lame excuse, but it’s true. To change all the harvested forests into bamboo forests would cost a lot of time and money. Not to mention, changing the manufacturing process from wood to bamboo would require money, time, and new resources.

Paper Can Be Made From Kenaf

Hibiscus cannabinus also known as Kenaf

If you have never heard of kenaf, it is understandable. Few people know about this possibly world-changing crop.

Kenaf is part of the Hibiscus genus and is native to Africa. It is cousins with okra and cotton and enjoys warm, tropical climates and shivers at temperatures below 50℉.

Kenaf is very useful in the wood and paper industry. This plant combines both softwood and hardwood properties. Remember, softwood is better for paper products, while hardwood is better for lumber, furniture, and cabinets.

This multi-use plant has a hard inner part of the stem that is made of hardwood-like short fibers, while the outer part of the stem is long fibers like softwood trees.

The most beneficial aspect of the kenaf plant is that it grows to maturity in less than six months. Its height at maturity can reach up to 20 feet, but most grow between 8 feet and 14 feet. 

Comparing this to trees, which can take 25 years or more to reach maturity, it’s a no-brainer to use kenaf instead of trees.

The only states putting time into researching and using kenaf are Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and the Southeast United States, according to Purdue University.

Wrapping Up!

There’s more to making paper than many people think: the type of tree used, the need for additional bleaching or steam, the type of paper you can make, and the quality of the final product are all things to think about when choosing a tree for paper.

Each tree has a unique type of wood. One might be better for magazines, while another is better for copy paper.

Overall, the 9 most common trees used in the paper industry include:

  • Pine
  • Spruce
  • Hemlock
  • True Fir
  • White Cedar
  • Hickory
  • Poplar
  • Birch
  • Maple

Trees are a staple to the health of the environment. We are conscious now more than ever of our impact on the planet, which is why paper alternatives are being researched. 

Bamboo, cotton, hemp, and kenaf are all gaining traction to replace trees in the paper manufacturing process.

Trees provide us with so many benefits and are truly one of the most important organisms on the planet. The next time you see a tree on your morning commute or your lunchtime walk, maybe you will smile and have a little more appreciation for all the things trees do for us.

If you’re interested in finding out more about different types of trees, what the best ones are for your landscape, or how to grow a tree from a seed, check out our the rest of our website to start your tree journey today!

References

Krishna, P. J. (2003, August). Transgenic Aspen Trees with Altered Lignification: Good News for Pulp and Paper Industry. ISB News Report

Maminska, R. T. (2017, October). Limits and perspectives of pulp and paper industry wastewater treatment – A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 78, 764-772. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032117306561

Seth, M. K. (2003). Trees and their economic importance. The Botanical Review, 69, 321-376. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1663/0006-8101(2004)069[0321:TATEI]2.0.CO;2

Sinclair, P., & Walton, J. (2003, September 17). Environmental reporting within the forest and paper industry. Business Strategy and the Environment, 12(5), 326-337. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bse.376

Cypress trees look like evergreens with their small needle-like leaves and round cones, but they are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in Autumn. Cypress trees have many uses and applications which make it cypress wood valuable and expensive compared to wood such as pine. 

Milled cypress wood is naturally water-resistant, decay-resistant, and durable. These qualities make cypress wood a premium choice for use in homes and heavy construction and thus, more expensive. Other cypress wood uses include boat docks, piers, siding, furniture, paneling, fence posts, and boats.

Read on to learn more about the uses of cypress wood and its value!

Cypress Wood Is Valuable

Cypress lumber usage has been documented since before America was settled. The trees create an oily resin that makes the milled lumber water-resistant, decay-resistant, and also repels most insects.

These traits, along with other quality characteristics, make cypress lumber some of the most versatile, as well as valuable lumber to come from the coastal US.

Cypress Tree Are Slow Growing

Cypress trees require wet areas to grow, especially before they get established. They also do not grow as fast as some trees like the fast-growing pine trees, meaning it takes years longer for the trees to grow large enough to use for lumber. 

Some cypress wood, like pecky cypress wood, is extremely valuable because it is created by a fungus. The fungus creates a pattern of pockets pleasing to the eye and sought after by artisan woodworkers. This type of wood is also quite rare, adding to the value. 

Uses For Cypress Wood

Stunning Cypress Tree Tunnel

Cypress lumber is an all-around useful wood with many practical uses.

A Journal of Delta Studies tells us cypress wood is used for roof shingles, boats, posts and pilings, caskets, water tanks, sugar crates, furniture, and appliances. This is, of course, alongside its construction uses.

Cypress Wood Was Used For Dugout Canoes And Boats

Cypress wood use has been documented since the beginning of record-keeping. Native Americans use cypress to craft canoes for transportation across the swamp and wetlands. They would cut down the tree and hold the trunk over a fire to soften the bark so they could carve it out into the shape of a canoe.

The natural water and decay-resistant traits made these canoes a staple for Native American life on the swamps and marshlands. With these hollowed-out trunks, Native Americans could trade with other communities, fish, and hunt in other areas. Without these cypress wood canoes, they might not have survived in the swamps. 

We still build some boats today with cypress wood. Especially by boating enthusiasts who want to build vessels. It is softer than oak or teak wood, meaning it is a little easier to work with, and of course, as stated above, it is naturally water and rot-resistant.

Skilled craft workers with the right tools can create gorgeous works of art that also serve as watercraft. 

Cypress Wood Is Used To Build Log Homes

Cypress wood today is still used to build log homes. These trees produce a preservative called Cypressene, which helps with water and decay resistance. It also repels insects like termites and carpenter bees who love to cut out perfect-looking dime-sized holes and burrow into soffits and siding of wood houses.

Cypress trees are softwood, but because of the tightly packed growth rings, they are often considered hardwood. Also, because of the narrow growth rings, they are less susceptible to shrinkage, twisting, and warping, making cypress trunks a perfect wood for log homes. 

If you have stayed in a log cabin on a vacation, it was most likely built with cypress logs.

Cypress Wood Is Used For Boat Docks And Piers

Cypress trees often grow in swamplands and marshes, leaving the lower trunks and roots completely submerged. Therefore, it makes sense to use this wood to make boat docks and piers. The wood stains well and can last upwards of 40 years.

If the wood came from heartwood and/or from an old-growth tree, with proper care, the wood could last upwards of 100 years. Again, the minimal shrinkage, twisting, and warping associated with cypress wood makes a splendid choice for docks and piers. 

Cypress Wood Is Used For Siding And Roofing Shingles For Houses

Similar to the benefits of using cypress wood for the above-mentioned applications, this wood is also used for siding and roofing shingles. Similar to cedar, cypress makes great siding and shingles because they both have resistant qualities to insects, harsh weather, water, and shrinkage.

Cypress has more of the insect resisting oils in it making it a slightly better choice, and it is oftentimes cheaper than cedar. 

The cypress wood used for shingles also ages well, slowly turning a silvery-gray color as the years go by. To prevent the wood from maturing to a pewter color, just seal the wood or stain it. Cypress wood takes sealants and stains very well compared to more resinous types of lumber. 

Since it is a softer wood, cypress works well on the exterior of your house and acts similarly to some pine species. Nails and screws are less likely to bend, break, or split the wood when attaching to the side or roof of the house. 

Cypress Wood Is Used For Outdoor Furniture 

With the natural ability to weather well, cypress wood is a great medium for outdoor furniture. Cypress wood is often used for outdoor fireplace mantels, tables and chairs, and outdoor kitchen cabinets. Outdoor cypress furniture that is properly treated and sealed will give its owner a lifetime of quality service. 

The lumber from cypress trees is easily worked. Meaning it can be cut, carved, and sanded with power tools or by hand with ease. This makes cypress wood a standout choice for woodworking and furniture making. 

Paneling Is Made From Cypress Wood

Cypress wood paneling is gaining popularity in houses because of the pleasing, compact grain pattern and the rich golden color of the natural wood. Cypress also takes stains, oils, sealers, and paints well, making it a versatile option for wall coverings. 

Stadium Seats Are Sometimes Made From Cypress Wood

Similar to outdoor furniture, stadium seats are sometimes made from cypress wood. Cypress wood simply seems to be made for this kind of application.

Stadium seats spend a lot of time in disuse, in harsh weather like baking sun, heavy rains, and snow. With all the beneficial attributes included in cypress wood, it makes stadium seating last a long time, reducing the cost of having to replace seats often. 

Ground Cypress Trees Are Used As Mulch

You can ground cypress trees down for mulch. It is a light-colored mulch, and it often carries a pleasing aromatic scent. It is a natural insect-repelling mulch as well as containing fungal resistance.

Like the long-lasting qualities of cedar mulch, cypress mulch lasts as much as two to three times longer than comparable hardwood mulches. 

Cypress mulch deters weeds, holds in moisture for your plants, prevents airborne seeds from reaching the ground and germinating, and regulates temperatures for plant roots. It also deters insects and reptiles. 

One thing to be on the lookout for is to be sure your cypress mulch does not contain sapwood. This could end up attracting insects because they can make a meal of it. 

Cypress Oil Is Used In Shampoo And Beauty Products

Cypress oil has many uses as well. The oil-resin of cypress trees is extracted using a steam distillation process. The purified cypress oil is in several products many of us use all the time.

Things like shampoo, beauty products, and health products contain cypress oil occasionally. 

You can even get it as an essential oil, like the Artizen Cypress Essential Oil, which some claim has a host of health benefits. It comes in high quality, UV protected glass bottles, and has a lifetime warranty. As with any health related products, be sure to contact a professional before use.

Is Cypress A Hardwood Or Softwood?

Cypress trees and gooses in a swamp

Softwood With Attributes Of Hardwood

Cypress wood is a softwood, but it has some of the best attributes of hardwood. It is easy to work like softwood, but has a tighter grain and growth rings like hardwood. Cypress is also less likely than other softwoods to warp, shrink, split, or twist, making it a good option where hardwoods are often preferred.

Another attribute of cypress wood is it is strong and light. It is strong, like hardwoods like maple and ash, but is light like the softer pine wood. It’s no wonder why this wood is so popular and coveted all around. 

Is Cypress Wood Good For Furniture?

Furniture made from cypress wood is durable and long-lasting both indoors and outdoors. Being water-resistant and decay-resistant only adds to the value and is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture.

From tables and Adirondack chairs to outdoor cabinets, furniture made from cypress wood has exceptional longevity and durability, even when exposed to the extremes of outdoor elements. 

Where Do Cypress Trees Grow?

Bald cypress’ native range includes the southeastern U.S., where it is the dominant tree in swampy environments. Although it is a conifer, it loses its leaves in the fall.

The cones and balls of bald cypress trees also have many uses. You can learn about a few of them here: 5 Different Uses For Bald Cypress Cones And Balls.

Two factors limit the natural range of the bald cypress: the need for constant moisture until a sapling root reaches the water table and the need for seasonal flooding to eliminate invading hardwoods.

What Makes Cypress Wood So Valuable?

Cypress wood is valuable for several reasons. First off is the natural water-resistance of the wood, making it a great building material for many applications, such as piers, docks, boats, and exterior siding and shingles for houses.

Cypress Is Rot And Insect Resistant

It also has ingrained rot and insect resistance. These reasons make cypress wood more valuable in some applications compared to pine, poplar, oak, and others that have to be treated chemically to increase the rot and insect resistance. 

An article from Texas Parks and Wildlife tells us Cypress is also referred to as “wood eternal” because its heartwood is so decay-resistant.

Cypress Wood Is Less Likely To Twist Or Warp

The compressed wood grain or growth rings of cypress wood also increase the value. Because of the tighter growth rings of the tree, when the tree is processed and turned into logs or other building materials, cypress wood is less likely to warp, twist, or shrink. These traits make cypress wood the perfect material for exterior applications and log cabins. 

Cypress Wood Makes Great Log Cabins

Log cabins are meant to last lifetimes, and they will not be any good if the wood shrinks in a few years or warps and bends because of the weather extremes. Cypress wood logs are characteristically resistant to twisting or misshaping because of the tight grain patterns in the wood.  

Exterior Applications Look Beautiful With Cypress Wood

The excessive longevity and durability of cypress is great for nearly all outdoor applications. Brilliant looks, and a natural golden hue of the wood, which matures into a silvery-gray hue when left untreated, are more reasons it is used.

Matured cypress is reminiscent of aged pewter that some people find exceptionally pleasing and increases the value of cypress wood.

Old-Growth Cypress Is More Valuable 

Old-growth cypress trees are getting harder and harder to find for several reasons. This rarity makes heartwood cypress, the wood with much fewer knots, richer color, and a tighter grain, more valuable. Old-growth, heartwood cypress is also the most aesthetically pleasing.

Old-growth cypress trees are more valuable because of fewer knots, a tighter grain, and richer color. A tree has to be at least 80 to 150 years old to be considered old growth. Most old-growth trees are protected or have already been harvested, making old-growth wood more valuable and expensive. 

Cypress trees used in building materials are rather slower-growing trees. It may take some up to 30 years to become mature enough to get enough lumber from the tree to make it worth cutting down. This makes old-growth trees harder and harder to find. 

Pecky cypress is the most valuable because of a fungus that creates patterns of pockets people find appealing. 

Why Is Cypress Wood So Expensive?

swamp cypress branches on sky, spring time.

The rising cost of cypress wood has several factors built into it. Most of all is the law of supply and demand. As demand for quality cypress wood increases and the supply decreases, naturally the price will increase.

There are other mitigating factors added to the high cost of cypress wood. Let’s explore those reasons now. 

Cypress Tree Habitat Destruction

Bald cypress trees grow along the marshlands and swamps along the Eastern coast of the US. They also need lots of water, nearly flooding, until their roots get deep enough to reach the water table before they become established. 

These wetland habitats are getting drained and covered over to make room for houses, buildings, and roads, making natural cypress groves rare, thus causing a shortage of cypress wood. 

Quick Harvesting And Slow Growth Makes Cypress Wood Valuable

It does not take long to cut down a tree and mill it into usable lumber, but it takes a cypress tree around 30 years to reach commercial maturity. The resources it takes to grow a cypress tree and keep it growing and healthy for 30 years makes the wood more expensive. 

Cypress trees in the wild can take a long time to germinate as well. In the swamps and wetlands when the seeds from a cypress tree drop they often fall into standing water.

Even though they grow in standing water, the seeds will not germinate while submerged. There have been reports of seeds staying underwater for 30 years before they reach dry land and sprout. 

Cypress Trees Have Become Unsustainable

The demand for cypress wood products, destruction of its habitat, and cutting down of old-growth cypress groves has made this wood unsustainable. Meaning the supply continues to dwindle, but the demand for cypress wood stays the same or increases.

Demand for cypress wood has increased along the gulf coast because of its inherent water and rot-resistant qualities, therefore increasing the price of good cypress wood.

Just these traits alone, being exceptionally water resistant, rot resistant, as well as insect-resistant, help to increase the value and price of cypress wood. 

Demand For Antique Cypress Millwork

Along with the above reasons, more and more people living in finer homes along the coast are looking for and collecting antique cypress millwork to display in their residences. Again, as the demand goes up and supply dwindles, the cost will also rise.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is often more expensive than fresh culled lumber. But old-growth cypress wood is increasingly difficult to come across, and people who want that kind of heartwood cypress will pay the prices.

The pecky cypress wood mentioned earlier is also part of the rise in cost. It looks like linear divots carved out of the wood, making it seem more aged, and giving the wood more character. People will pay premium prices for the distinguished pecky cypress, sometimes up to 3 or 4 times as much as solid cypress. 

That’s A Wrap!

Cypress wood has many uses, especially in housing and building construction. From siding and shingles, log cabins, paneling, boat docks, piers, mulch, and even boats, cypress wood is a versatile lumber useful for many projects. 

Its water, insect, rot, and decay-resistant characteristics make it a very valuable wood as well. Unfortunately, because of the slow growth rates, reduced supply, and higher than typical demand, the price of cypress lumber will continue to grow.

References:

Beilmann, A. P. (1940). The Bald Cypress as a shade tree. Bull. Mo. bot. Gdn28, 111-4. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19400621403

Liu, W., Thummasuwan, S., Sehgal, S. K., Chouvarine, P., & Peterson, D. G. (2011). Characterization of the genome of bald cypress. BMC Genomics12(1).

Therrell, M. D., Elliott, E. A., Meko, M. D., Bregy, J. C., Tucker, C. S., Harley, G. L., Maxwell, J. T., & Tootle, G. A. (2020). Streamflow Variability Indicated by False Rings in Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.). Forests11(10), 1100.

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