Quercus, bicolor, Bonnie & Mike Beacon - #10

Size: Medium deciduous tree, typically 35-45 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide at maturity (narrowly columnar form).

Branches: Stout, upright branching with a tightly columnar, dense structure ideal for limited spaces.

Leaves: Glossy dark green, lobed, emerging light green in spring and holding clean, dense foliage through summer.

Flowers: Produces catkins in spring.

Bark: Grayish, developing furrowed texture with age.

Habitat:

Highly sought after for its narrow, columnar habit and urban adaptability, commonly used as a street tree, in tight spaces, parks, or as a vertical accent in landscapes, where it provides a strong visual statement, wildlife support via acorns, and reliable performance in challenging conditions like wet or compacted soils.

Tree arrives dormant in 10-gallon pot

Tree Care:

Planting: Well-draining to moist soil preferred, but highly adaptable (tolerates wet sites and occasional flooding); full sun, proper spacing (at least 15-20 feet for mature width).

Soil: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH; adaptable to a range including clay and urban soils, but avoid highly alkaline; amend with organic matter if needed.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment; tolerant of wet conditions and moderate drought once established—avoid prolonged dry spells in youth.

Fertilizing: Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning: Prune minimally in late winter to maintain shape or remove dead wood; its natural columnar form requires little intervention.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for issues like oak wilt, borers, or scale and apply controls if necessary; generally tough and low-maintenance.

Mulching: Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk.

Foliage: Known for its tightly columnar, urban-tough form with glossy dark green summer leaves that turn bright yellow (deepening to tawny brown) in fall, offering clean, dense coverage and a unique narrow silhouette for modern landscapes.