Usually, it's evergreen trees that come to mind when thinking about privacy, screening, color, and texture for enjoyment in the landscape during the winter months. While evergreens are a perfectly acceptable option for achieving this feel in your yard, columnar oak trees are a seriously underrated option.
Columnar oak trees have a moderate to fast growth rate with an upright, slender profile. Glossy, green leaves appear to shine in the spring and summer before turning a mellow yellow or rusty red in the fall. These cold-tolerant trees are often mildew and drought resistant. Noteworthy for their proven performance in landscapes and along parkways.
Benefits of Columnar Oaks in winter →
· Marcescence
Some species of trees will hold tightly to their leaves throughout much of winter. This characteristic, called marcescence, is especially true for columnar oak trees of the English oak variety. These trees keep their crisp fawn-brown leaves long after many other trees have since dropped theirs. We could leave this post at that. This one characteristic is a HUGE benefit— their winter leaves add interest and an extra layer of privacy & screening.
· Beauty
Columnar oak trees stand stoically in the landscape when planted individually and may take on a more refined look. Their statuesque form makes a statement in the landscape. A sturdy and upright branching structure is capable of withstanding heavy snow and strong winds. Their leaves add a surprising pop of color against the stark Illinois winter landscape.
· Size & Shape
It's all in the name. Columnar oak trees are column-like and have a narrow mature form, especially compared to other oak tree varieties. This feature is unique for large shade trees. Plant them in tight locations wherever a specimen tree is needed or for added privacy. These trees are the perfect vertical design element.
· Privacy & Screening
These trees are useful for creating a living wall for added privacy & screening. Even after dropping their leaves in late winter before budding out in the spring, their tight branching will be dense enough to offer a visual block. For recommended placement, plant them in rows for screening, wind-breaking, or to provide a formal look. Tight branching and dense leaves block unsightly views and muffle traffic sounds.
Recommended Marscescent Columnar Oaks →
— outstanding slender form— 15' wide & 45' tall
— moderate to a fast growth rate
— very adaptable
— fresh green leaves turn a rusty red in autumn
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— mature form— 25' wide & 50' tall
— moderate growth rate
— very tolerant
— mildew resistant leaves
— glossy, two-toned green leaves transition to yellow in the fall
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— the tightest branching of the columnar oaks— 6' wide & 30' tall
— moderate growth rate
— mildew and drought resistant
— satin green leaves turn a fawn-brown in autumn
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See also, Scarlet Letter™ Oak, newly added to our availability!
