Scarlet Oak

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Scarlet Oak is a classic shade tree prized for its strong canopy and one of the most dramatic fall color displays in the oak family. It is a great pick for customers who want a long-term landscape tree that brings comfort in summer and a big seasonal payoff in autumn. With the right siting, it develops a sturdy, well-shaped crown that makes lawns and outdoor spaces feel more established. If you want a statement tree that still feels timeless, Scarlet Oak delivers.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous oak carries glossy green, deeply lobed leaves through summer, then turns vivid scarlet to red tones in fall, often creating a standout canopy from a distance. The tree develops an upright form when young, maturing into a broad, rounded crown with strong branching and a substantial trunk. Bark becomes darker and ridged with age, adding year-round texture and character. Acorns add seasonal interest and support wildlife, reinforcing its value in larger landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best for dense growth, strong structure, and best fall color.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and performs best in loam or sandy loam, avoiding consistently wet ground.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide deep watering during extended dry spells.
• USDA Zones: 4 to 8.
• Space: Plan for a large canopy at maturity and give it room away from buildings, wires, and tight corners.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant as a signature specimen where fall color can be the main event, such as a central lawn or view corridor.
• Shade Tree: Use to cool patios, lawns, and outdoor living areas with dependable summer canopy cover.
• Seasonal Drama: Place where its autumn display can be seen from indoors, drive approaches, or key gathering areas.
• Large-Scale Planting: Include in bigger landscapes to build long-term structure and a classic canopy layer.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep water weekly in the first growing season, then taper as roots establish.
• Mulching: Maintain a mulch ring to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune in dormancy to develop strong structure and remove dead or crossing branches.
• Site Selection: Prioritize good drainage and avoid low, wet areas to support healthier long-term performance.

Why Choose Scarlet Oak?

• Showstopping Fall Color: Delivers vivid scarlet to red tones that can transform the landscape in autumn.
• Classic Shade: Develops a broad canopy that improves comfort and usability outdoors.
• Strong Structure: Matures into a substantial, well-shaped tree that adds lasting property value.
• Wildlife Support: Acorns and canopy habitat benefit a range of birds and mammals.

Scarlet Oak is an investment in shade now and unforgettable fall color later. Give it full sun, good drainage, and room to mature, and it will become a defining feature that makes the landscape feel established and intentional. Year after year, it offers the kind of seasonal change that people notice and remember.