I just moved back to TX(san antonio) and am looking to plant a few trees in the back yard. I found a guy that is selling 15ft trees of both species for $400 each planted and a 1 yr guarantee but im not sure what would be the best to plant.

If you like colorful fall foliage, go with the red oak.

There is also some kind of tree disease that, if I remember correctly, is attacking live oaks in the hill country. If this is correct (hopefully someone who know more about this will chime in), it would be another reason to go with the red.

Reds grow slowly, but are one of the best larger ornamentals around...

Caladan

My parents replaced their Ash trees with Monterrey Oaks (Mexican White Oak) here in San Antonio. They're highly neglected but doing well anyway.

I tried pushing them into the Red Oak category, but their landscaper friend won out.



[This message has been edited by p_bubel (edited 10/27/2008 11:40p).]

Caladan I believe you are talking about Oak Wilt. Seems like it has started to spread the last few years more. Im just glad my grandparents place hasnt had any yet.

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im not sure what would be the best to plant

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There is no right answer to this question based on the information you've given us. They are both good trees that have good and bad properties. (The bad being Oak Wilt)

The thing I would worry about more than the tree type is the quality of the product you are buying. $400.00 for a 15' tree (need to know caliper) seems a little cheap. Why? Did he field dig them last week in Poteet?

You would likely get more satisfaction if you went down to Milberger's and picked up a 15 gallon Chinquapin or Bur Oak (Oak Wilt resistant) and planted it yourself.

They are better trees for the SA/Austin region if for no other reason than Live & Red Oaks are waaaay overplanted.

Red oaks generally are adapted only for certain kinds of soil... certain strains do better in heavy black soils than others that do well in sandy soils.

I agree with planting a healthy 1" caliper tree from a large pot. It will pass up those larger trees in a matter of a few years and continue growing faster and more healthy.

You really need to describe your soil type to whomever you get your trees from.

Listen to Apache - he is wise in the ways of trees. Take a look at Cedar Elm, also.

Many people plant a deciduous tree for shade during the summer but want the sun hitting the house in the winter.

Red oak, Burr oak (I love those acorns) will lose their leaves in fall.

Live oak will keep it leaves and shead them in the spring when the new leaves come out.

Do you want a bare tree in winter or an evergreen tree that wil stay green in the winter?

Live oaks are nice trees but most lots just aren't big enough for them as the grow low and wide. I've seen folks plant two in the front yard in a 1/3 to 1/4 acre lot and in 10 years you can't see the house at all.

I like red then white then water etc for small lots.

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Many people plant a deciduous tree for shade during the summer but want the sun hitting the house in the winter.

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bingo, especially on the south and west sides of the house.

And for the posts above on oak wilt... red oaks are the most susceptible and are blamed for allowing the disease to spread, which also affects live oaks. Keep all cuts/injuries coated with a pruning sealer and you probably wont see a problem. The disease also spreads from roots touching roots, which happens in live oak motts and generally not in your yard.

I have red,live,chinqapin,burr,monterey,laceys, and canbys oaks in my yard and the red oaks are by far the fastest growing.

Also might wanna look at Escaprment Oaks. JUst a different variety of a Live Oak, but better adapted for that particular area.