If you’re wondering how long an oak tree can live, you can check out our guide and lifespan data for each common oak tree here. Under ideal conditions, some oak species can live for 150 years or more, but short-lived species die after about 50-60 years.
White oak trees can live for hundreds of years, and some are known to be at least 600 years old. This makes them among the longest-lived oak tree species. Moreover, they grow continuously during this time period, so white oak trees are also the tallest variety of oak in the world.
While short-lived species may grow slightly faster than longer-lived species, all oak trees grow slowly compared to many other shade tree species. White oaks grow very slowly at about 12-24 inches per year, which is relatively slow compared to other trees of similar size.
White oaks are considered slow growing, growing only 12 to 14 inches per year, while other trees such as the Monterey oak (Quercus polymorpha) can grow 48 inches per year. Due to its slow and steady growth and amazing longevity, the white oak can dominate all other tree species in a variety of forest ecosystems.
Growth Expectations for White Oak Trees
White oak is a large tree that can reach 35 meters in height and can live for several hundred years. White oak (Quercus alba) is a long-lived tree used as shade in landscapes and is one of the most important timbers in the United States. The most notable feature of Quercus nigra is its dark grey-brown bark and the thicker bark of oak trees in eastern North America. The majestic name comes from the light beige, almost white, freshly cut wood and light gray bark.
In winter, its silvery bark peels off among other trees, making it easy to identify. In forests, the white oak can reach spectacular heights, and in the open air it grows into a huge, broad-crowned tree with large branches rising at a wide angle. It is a long-lived and majestic oak tree from the Beech family (beech family) – some specimens are known to have lived for over 600 years.
It is estimated that the white oak from The Shawshank Redemption, known as the Shawshank Tree and the Tree of Hope from The Shawshank Redemption, was over 200 years old when it fell. Six centuries later, the white oak at Basking Ridge began to wilt, and the tree was removed in April 2017 after showing signs of rot and weakness in its last two years. White oak begins its first period of life somewhat milder; Following the red oak, the white oak will be 10 to 15 feet tall after 10 years of growth.
White Oak Trees Are Long-Lived
Although white oaks grow extremely slowly, individuals can live 500 to 600 years (mostly in deep, moist but well-drained soil). White oaks can live 500 to 600 years and can grow up to 18 inches per year, with an overall height of 80 feet. In many forests, red oaks grow straight and tall, reaching a maximum height of 90 to 140 feet and trunk diameters of 2 to 3 feet. After 10 years, the red oak is still young, but the trunk is a little swollen and the height is starting to make it look like a solid tree.
White oaks like at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, although young trees grow in the undergrowth for years in the wild. If you have white oak on your property, be aware that if a tree service company like Mr. Tree will carry out maintenance from time to time, this will help your tree look great all year round.
While established oak trees can withstand periods of drought, occasional flooding, minor pest attack, human pruning and wildlife grazing, young oaks should receive constant and thorough care in the first few years after planting. Making sure your tree is cut, pruned and maintained properly is the best way to ensure a long and healthy life.
If you’re curious about the difference between oaks and maples in general, you can read our article on the main differences between oak and maple leaves and bark here. The size, longevity and longevity of this and other oak species explains the name of most deciduous forests in Central and South America as “oak forests”.
Notes on Growth Patterns of Other Oak Species
Quercus prinus, or chestnut oak, grows throughout the Appalachian region, some in the Ohio Valley and southern Ontario, and is considered a rangetop tree. Quercus nigra, the water oak, grows in the southeastern United States and, like most other oaks, is a lowland tree that lives predominantly in swamps and shallows, although Quercus nigra can reach a height of 1,500 feet. The water oak (Quercus nigra), native to the southeastern United States, lives only 30 to 50 years, while the bay oak (Q. laurifolia), also native to the southeastern United States, lives 50 to 60 years.
Short-lived species Many other oak species have a maximum lifespan of about 200 years, including oak (Q. palustris), scarlet oak (Q. coccinea), and southern red oak (Q. falcata). Like all oaks, the white oak is invaluable to its fauna, especially as the chestnut tree disappears; it provides food, shelter, and nesting material—even the cavities that form in these giant oaks, living and dead, are counted.
Important nesting ground for ten species of birds. Keep in mind that white oak trees tend to live longer, so if you’re concerned about your offspring picking the fruit of the particular tree you’ve planted, this may be for you.
A favorite tree of many people who are well versed in their trees, including Greg Levine, program director at Trees Atlanta, the beautiful white oak is undoubtedly the perfect choice for the 2009 GNPS Plant of the Year award. The Georgia Native Plant Society is very pleased to announce its enthusiasts’ selection of White Oak (Quercus alba) as the Company’s Plant of the Year for 2009, the first crown tree selected.