I'll be moving into a new house soon and would like to plant a Shumard Red Oak in the front yard of the new house in the fall (or whenever would be best to plant).

Does anyone know of a good nursery or tree farm in/around Houston where I could get one (and possibly that would plant it)? I'd like to buy as large a tree as possible, but it will be dependent on the value I'm getting for the caliper/size.

Thanks in advance.

[Cross-posted on the Houston forum.]

Definitely get it from a local nursery, and do a soil test. We got one from Lowes, and it died quickly (our soil was way too basic or acidic.. can't remember).

RCW Nursery great place and they do plant them for you. Located at 249 and Beltway 8. They give a discount for cash. Mention that Tom Tynan sent you and he said to take off some more. They do have a warranty on the trees.

I forgot to add, they have their own tree farm.

Sorry again I forgot their website is

http://www.rcwnurseries.com/rcw/

Also they give a 15% discount for cash.

Red Oaks can do well here, but they need some attention as they are establishing. Proper drainage is a must. We even build drainage systems at the bottom of the tree hole for our clients sometimes. Be sure to plant the tree a little high and if you're in clay soil, like most of HOU don't dig a huge hole. Also, install a bubbler for irrigation. If you need help getting a good specimen contact me. We have wholesale contacts.

+1 for RCW. I bought a red oak 15 gal, red maple 30 gal and little gem 15 gal from them, installed was only about $800. Trees looked great after two years.

I called RCW, and the largest Shumard they had was a 45 gallon, but I'm looking to buy a 100+ gallon. The lady I spoke to said that red oak borers had been a major problem this season and that they just recently had to trash quite a few larger Shumards due to issues with them.

Do any of you know if similar red oak borer issues are being experienced throughout the area this season? If so, I'm wondering if maybe I should wait to get a Shumard until next year or consider a different type of tree (not preferred as I'm really leaning toward a Shumard).

You will spend a lot more for a 100 gallon than 45 gallon. Not sure it is worth it - they will grow fast.

RCW is a good full service nursery. If you know what you want and are willing to plant it yourself, you can find large trees at Houston Patio & Garden Center. Selection varies at each store but they have 70% sale in the fall that makes prices reasonable.

If you decide to look at something other than a red oak, consider a live oak. They grow faster than people think and are really hardy.

I like live oaks but would prefer something that will lose its leaves during a Houston winter.