Red Oak

Fast-Growing Native Shade Tree with Strong Structure and Brilliant Fall Colour

Add long-term strength and seasonal beauty to your landscape with one of North America’s most popular native hardwood trees.

The Red Oak is valued for its strong branching structure, rapid early growth, and vibrant red fall colour. A long-lived shade tree, it provides excellent canopy coverage while maintaining a balanced, symmetrical form. It is well suited to Ontario climates and performs reliably in a wide range of soil conditions.

Our Red Oak trees are healthy, container-grown stock, established in 2 gallon trade pots and ready for planting.

Why This Tree Is a Smart Investment

✔ Strong native hardwood with long lifespan
✔ Fast early growth compared to many oak varieties
✔ Vibrant red fall colour
✔ Excellent shade and canopy development
✔ Adaptable and hardy in Ontario climates

A great choice for customers wanting a long-term shade tree with structure and seasonal impact.

Available Size

2 Gallon Trade Pot

Height: Approx. 2–3 feet tall

Well-established root system. Ideal size for strong early establishment and steady growth

What Your Red Oak Will Become

Over time, your Red Oak will develop into a large, stately shade tree with a broad, rounded canopy and strong branching structure. Mature trees provide substantial shade and become a lasting feature in residential or rural landscapes.

Tree Specifications

Botanical Name: Quercus rubra
Common Name: Red Oak
Tree Type: Deciduous hardwood
Hardiness Zone: 3–8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained soil but adaptable to loam and slightly heavier soils
Ease of Growth: Easy — strong and dependable once established
Water Needs: Moderate during establishment

Growth & Mature Size

Growth Rate: Medium to Fast
Mature Height: 60–75 ft
Mature Width: 45–60 ft
Growth Form: Broad, rounded canopy

Best planted where it has space to develop its full canopy and provide long-term shade.

Simple Planting & Care

1️⃣ Plant in full sun for best canopy development
2️⃣ Choose a well-drained location
3️⃣ Water regularly during the first growing season
4️⃣ Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots

Red Oak establishes steadily and becomes very durable once rooted.

Nursery Quality

- Container-grown for easier planting and establishment
- Healthy trees selected for strong root development
- Locally grown stock suited to Ontario conditions

Pickup & Delivery

- Pickup available in the Halton Hills area
- Local delivery options available
- Trees sold in durable nursery containers for easy transport and planting

Perfect For

- Large residential landscapes
- Shade tree plantings
- Property boundaries
- Naturalized areas
- Long-term landscape value

Quick Note

Red Oak is a strong, fast-growing native hardwood that provides long-term shade, durability, and beautiful fall colour — making it an excellent investment for any landscape.

Trees That Pair Well With Red Oak

Red Oak is a large, structured shade tree, so the best companions either add evergreen structure, create seasonal contrast or provide vertical layering.

Eastern White Pine — Soft Evergreen Contrast

Why it works:

- Red Oak develops a broad, rounded canopy.
- Eastern White Pine grows taller with a softer, more flowing texture.
- The airy pine needles contrast nicely with the bold oak leaves.
- Provides year-round greenery behind or beside the deciduous oak.
- Creates a classic Canadian woodland look with both shade and evergreen height. 
- Best for larger properties, naturalized plantings, or customers wanting a relaxed, forest-style landscape.

White Spruce — Strong Evergreen Structure

Why it works:

- White Spruce has a dense, pyramidal form.
- Adds winter structure when Red Oak loses its leaves.
- Creates a clean contrast between evergreen density and oak’s open canopy.
- Very hardy and dependable in Ontario climates.
- Balanced and structured — feels intentional and long-term.
- Privacy rows behind shade trees or wind-protected properties.

European Larch — Seasonal Texture Contrast

Why it works:

- Larch has soft needles and an airy branching habit.
- Turns golden in fall, complementing the red tones of Red Oak.
- Adds movement and texture without feeling heavy.
- Keeps the landscape visually dynamic.
- Four-season interest with layered seasonal colour.
- Best for Customers wanting something unique and visually striking.

Eastern White Cedar — Vertical Privacy & Layering

Why it works:

- Narrow, upright growth contrasts with Red Oak’s wide canopy
- Adds privacy and evergreen density
- Excellent as a backdrop or border tree.
- Keeps the landscape from feeling too open in winter
- Structured and practical while maintaining natural beauty