Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Mature Height: 60-70' tall
- Mature Width: 25-40' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 25-40' apart
Why the Audubon® Native Pin Oak?
Popular with people and with birds! Because of its fine form, durability, ease of transplanting, and relatively fast growth, Pin Oak is perhaps the most commonly planted Oak Tree. Like other Oaks, it’s a boon to birds as well. The small but bountiful acorns feed jays, woodpeckers, ducks, and turkeys, and the insects attracted to this native tree feed wrens, warblers, chickadees, cardinals, mockingbirds, and countless other birds. In addition, the twiggy but strong branches make fine nesting sites for tree-dwelling birds. Recommended for both rural and urban spaces, Pin Oak gives birds a boost everywhere.
The name pin oak comes from its short, tough branchlets located along the branches and limbs. Interestingly it lines the driveway to Graceland. On the day of his funeral, Elvis Presley was being carried from his home by his pallbearers and good friends along the tree lined driveway. A limb from one of the Pin Oak trees fell, just missing them. This was found to be uncharacteristic for this tree. Elvis always joked that he would come back after he died and let them know that he was ok. One of his friends remarked “we knew you would be back, just not so soon.” There are over 20 different trees at Graceland, each labeled for visitors. Elvis used trees as a natural buffer between him and his fans.
How to use in the landscape?
You can pin your 'oaks' on this one! In autumn, its lustrous, dark green leaves turn every shade of red, making a striking contrast to the tree's smooth, gray bark. Its tidy, conical silhouette gives it an air of stateliness. It's easy to grow and will make a magnificent specimen tree for your yard.
Why Bower & Branch?
At Bower & Branch, it’s our job to know and grow trees… especially big trees.
- Trusted, Experienced Growers
- Trusted, Knowledgeable Expertise
- Trusted Brand of Quality Trees Across the United States
We do the hard part. Our trees and plants are grown and cared for by only the best, local growers for years before they find their forever home in your landscape. Bower & Branch is known for having hard-to-find, substantial sizes and selection. The quality of our trees and plants are consistent in health and vigor—always ready for immediate impact in your garden and instant curb appeal. We never rush our trees to reach a ‘grade size.’ Our trees are grown for quality height, vigor, health and age.
We believe in empowering homeowners with the truth about strong, healthy and structurally sound plants that are grown to perform in the ground after they leave the nursery for home delivery, always fresh inventory from the grower.
Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.
What is the definition of Native?
“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society
Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.
Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.
How To Plant
Oak trees enjoy full sun, but soil conditions are where these two trees differ. Pin Oaks require acid soil; if the soil isn’t acidic enough the leaves will turn yellow. Red Oaks, on the other hand, can tolerate a wider range of soil conditions. Oaks can have an irregular growth habit while young, but it will straighten out in time. (Kind of like that scrawny kid in elementary school that grows into the star quarterback on the high school football team – see, it all works out)! Oak trees are relatively pest free. You may have an occasional problem with scale, which are tiny sucking insects usually found in clusters along branches and leaves.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water very slowly and very thoroughly. The water needs to reach to the bottom of the root ball and that takes time. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
Oaks are another example of trees that don’t need a lot of pruning but if needed, do so in winter.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our large trees require expert delivery and care, that means our large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care.
We deliver your trees and plants directly to your driveway or curbside! Ask Bower & Branch about planting services and rates – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*Big trees, Size XL (A) and bigger, will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks days to be delivered. - Sizes large (AA) and smaller (Treelings) will be shipped directly to your home by a local common carrier in a plant-safe box.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health.. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
