Southern Live Oak

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 40-80 feet
Spread: 60-100 feet
Flower Color: pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) - Majestic Shade Tree for Arizona Landscapes

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is an impressive, long-lasting tree that brings grandeur and charm to Arizona landscapes. Known for its wide canopy and resilient evergreen foliage, this iconic tree is ideal for homeowners and landscapers seeking shade, beauty, and wildlife benefits in the desert environment. Available at ThreeTimbersShop.com, our Southern Live Oaks are specially selected for adaptability and resilience, making them a valuable addition to Arizona’s unique landscapes.

Key Characteristics of the Southern Live Oak for Arizona Gardens

Broad Canopy and Extensive Shade

One of the most distinctive features of the Southern Live Oak is its sprawling canopy, which can extend up to 80 feet, providing ample shade for large outdoor spaces. This feature is particularly valuable in Arizona’s intense summer heat, creating a cooler, shaded area for relaxation and outdoor activities. The tree's thick, twisting limbs and rounded crown add depth and beauty to any setting, making it an eye-catching focal point.

Evergreen Foliage for Year-Round Greenery

Unlike many deciduous oaks, the Southern Live Oak maintains its dense, dark green leaves year-round, delivering a lush, cooling presence even in the winter months. This evergreen characteristic makes it an excellent choice for adding vibrant, enduring greenery to Arizona’s predominantly arid landscape, where it stands out against the desert backdrop.

Growing Southern Live Oak in Arizona

• Soil Requirements: While Southern Live Oaks prefer moist, well-draining soils, they are adaptable to a range of soil types, including the alkaline soils common in Arizona. Ensuring proper drainage and supplementing with organic matter can support optimal growth.
• Watering Needs: During establishment, regular watering is essential to develop a robust root system. Once established, the Southern Live Oak is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering, but it will benefit from supplemental water during extreme heat.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, making it ideal for Arizona's abundant sunshine.

Size and Growth Considerations

Southern Live Oaks are large trees that can reach heights of 40 to 80 feet, with a spread equally as wide. When planting, consider the expansive space this tree requires to grow fully. Place it at a sufficient distance from buildings and paved surfaces to allow room for its extensive root system. With its robust growth habit, the Southern Live Oak can transform open landscapes and create stunning shaded areas in parks, backyards, and estates.

Ecological Benefits

The Southern Live Oak is more than just a beautiful tree; it’s a haven for local wildlife. Its broad branches provide nesting sites for birds, while its acorns serve as a valuable food source for various animals, including birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, adding biodiversity to Arizona gardens.

Why Choose ThreeTimbersShop.com for Southern Live Oaks?

At Three Timbers Shop, we understand the specific needs of trees in Arizona’s desert environment. Our Southern Live Oaks are carefully grown to adapt to warmer climates and challenging soils, ensuring you receive a tree ready to thrive with the proper care in Arizona’s unique landscape.

Southern Live Oak trees bring history, beauty, and practical benefits to Arizona properties. Ideal for spacious areas needing shade and a natural touch of elegance, they stand as a resilient, attractive option for those looking to add value and character to their landscapes. Discover the charm and durability of Southern Live Oak at ThreeTimbersShop.com and create a legacy of shade and greenery in your desert oasis.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Southern Live Oak

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 15-20 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Southern Live Oak is a large, self-supporting tree that requires no staking and grows into a stately canopy

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 6-7 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 4-5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Southern Live Oak is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 5-6 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 3-5 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks