"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Yes, we are often playing the long game when we decide to plant a tree, and that is especially true for Quercus species, otherwise known as the Oak tree. White oak, Red oak, Chestnut oak - there are approx 600 species in the genus Quercus, 90 of which are native to North America. Oak trees generally don't reach maturity and produce acorns until they are 50 years old, and can grow to be one hundred feet tall and several hundred years old. Planting Quercus in your landscape is like an investment in the future, when the next generation of creatures, human and otherwise, will enjoy the shade from its far reaching branches. Considering that RIGHT NOW this IS best time to plant a tree, planting an Oak tree now will create shelter and vital habitat for many generations to come.
