How Fast Do Shumard Oak Trees Grow – Is It What You Think?
The Shumard oak, also known as Quercus Shumardii, is a tree that comes close to being the ideal type in certain aspects but falls behind in others. Native to Arkansas, Shumard oak can be observed throughout the state.
If you are wondering how fast does a Shumard oak grows, will you be able to keep up with its care, you are at the right place.
Jump To
- Do Shumard Oak Trees Grow Fast?
- Reasons For Slow Development In Shumard Oak
- How Long Does It Take For A Shumard Oak Tree To Mature?
- How Tall Does A Shumard Oak Tree Grow?
- Care Tips For A Shumard Oak
- What Are The Shumard Oak Problems?
- FAQs
They can reach a height of sixty to eighty feet and a spread of around 40 and 50 feet when young, with a conical shape. These kinds of oak trees have huge, rough leaves that may appear to be gloomy to many. The average lifespan of this oak tree is between 100 and 150 years.
Do Shumard Oak Trees Grow Fast?
The Shumard Oak tree is a magnificent shade tree native to Texas and is easily identifiable by the structure of its broader and more pointed-edged leaves. To tell you how fast do Shumard oak trees grow, well they are not very fast growing and have a medium growth rate of 12-24 inches per year.
It has an erect canopy and generates gorgeous leaves in the fall that are reddish-yellow in color. It reaches its maximum height of fifty to sixty feet when it is mature.
Learn more on oak tree’s average growth rate in detail.
Reasons For Slow Growth In Shumard Oak
Knowing how fast does a Shumard oak tree grow, let’s talk about the factors that could slow its growth.
The tree’s slow growth may be due to a shortage of moisture, being transplanted in the hot, root degradation, the stems being pot-bound, or even the tree being removed from the soil for an excessive amount of time before getting planted again.
A positive sign that the tree is doing okay would be if the oak leaves appeared on all of the branches of the tree.
However, symptoms of transplantation shock can appear three years after the trees have been planted; therefore, they must be carefully monitored and cared for.
How Long Does It Take For A Shumard Oak Tree To Mature?
Oak trees have a long lifespan. The Shumard oak is also a hardy tree that lives for a very long time and grows at a rate that is moderate. Once it reaches a height of 40-60 feet, you should know that it has peaked and reached a mature height.
The Shumard Oak Tree is suggested for planting in any climate that falls between USDA growths zones 5 and 9. Therefore, if you reside in a region that falls within one of the suggested growing zones, this tenacious tree is a good choice for your yard’s landscaping.
How Tall Does A Shumard Oak Tree Grow?
This magnificent tree has the potential to reach a maximum height of up to 80 feet and a width of up to 60 feet.
Growing Conditions
| Light Requirement | Full sun |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil type | Acidic, basic, dense, sandy, loamy, dry, moist, or poorly draining soil |
| Soil Moisture | Dry, Moist |
| Hardiness zone | USDA, 5-9 |
| Drought Tolerance | Yes |
| Cold Tolerant | Yes |
| Light Requirement | Full sun |
You might want to have a look at how long does it take an oak tree to grow.
Care Tips For Shumard Oak
Oak species Quercus Shumardii is one of the most adaptive oaks and has a moderate growth rate. Just make sure that the soil isn’t too alkaline. Never fertilize a newly planted Shumard. Always learn how to fertilize an oak tree beforehand to avoid any mistakes. For a Shumard oak use fertilizer in the early spring on a well-grown tree.
After planting Shumard oak, you need to water it two times a week for 3-4 months. But once it takes its shape, slowly reduce the frequency to twice a month or as needed if the soil feels dry. Mature trees can tolerate prolonged periods of drought.
Pruning should be done in early spring during the dormancy. Watch out for bugs and pests as well. If you take care of these things, your oak tree care game is on point.
What Are The Shumard Oak Problems?
Since we have covered how fast do Shumard oak trees grow, let us take a look at their common problems:
Oak Wilt
When the fungal disease oak wilt infects and blocks the water-conducting channels of Shumard oak, the tree is particularly vulnerable. Slowing down water flow causes leaves to wilt and fall off the tree quickly.
Oak Leaf Blisters
The fungus produces an unnatural increase in the size of leaf cells through cell division. Light-green cup-like depressions can be seen on the underside of the leaf if you turn it over.
Leaf Spot
This disease majorly affects red oaks, but some white oak varieties are also prone to this infection. Leaves get little, circular dots. A yellow halo surrounds these patches, which are usually reddish-brown in color.
Powdery Mildew
There is a powdery mildew problem with oaks of all kinds. Leaf capillaries and midribs are the most common places to find the fungus. Slight disfigurations may appear on diseased leaves in severe instances.
There are other varieties of oak with distinctive growth rates that you should know about like the white oak, pin oak, Nuttall oak, willow oak, etc.
FAQs
Q. What is the average height of Shumard oak?“
A. In the genus Betula, the Shumard Oak is a huge deciduous tree endemic to the United States that belongs to the red oak variety. When young, the crown is pyramidal but opens up to a broader, curved shape as it matures. They grow up to 70 feet in height and spread 40 feet wide.
Q. Is the Shumard oak root system invasive?
A. The root system of the Shumard Oak is invasive, generating side branches that can cover an area four to seven times the size of the tree’s crown. Since we know how fast does a shumard oak grow, which in all honesty isn’t very quick; you have time to replant the sapling if planted very close to the house.
This tree’s root system is significantly larger than typical trees and can damage the underground pipes or foundations.
Q. What are some Shumard oak pros and cons you should know?
A. Like any other kind of tree, the Shumard Oak has both pros and cons. First, let’s look at a few of the benefits of this option.
● Fast-growing tree
● Low-maintenance
● Vibrantly colored foliage all year round.
● Ideal for providing shade
Although there are a few issues associated with the Shumard Oak, there aren’t many reasons you shouldn’t plant one.
● Vulnerable Entomologically.
● Animals may impair growth
● Deep-seed infestations
Shumard Oak Vs. Red Oak
| Tree name | Red Oak | Shumard Oak |
| Botanical name | Quercus rubra | Quercus Shumardii |
| Kind of oak | A type of oak tree | A variety of red oak tree |
| Lifespan | 300-500 years | 150-200 years |
| Native area | Eastern North America | Atlantic coastal plain |
| Tree type | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Height | 50-75 feet | 60-80 feet |
| Width | 40 feet | 40-50 feet |
| Soil type | Fertile, Sandy, Dry, Well Draining | Acidic, sandy, loamy, dry, moist, or poorly draining soil |
| Sunlight | Full | Full |
| Hardiness zone | 4-8 USDA | 5-9 USDA |
Q. How far apart should Shumard oak trees be planted?
A. You must plant Shumard oak at the right spot with at least a gap of 25 feet from other trees. This will enable the tree to grow well and get ample nutrients from the soil.
To Sum Up..
Hope you now have a clear answer to how fast do Shumard oaks grow. If you are willing to plant one, go for it. They are a good option to plant in any landscape. They are quite easy to grow, live for decades and provide shade.
