skip to main content

Columnar English Oak

14 years ago

Did a GardenWeb search. Not much help.

Need pros and cons on a Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'.

Had a 7 year old Cercis canadensis that didn't make it through our tough winter and cold,WINDY & still WET spring. It set flower buds then froze, now nothing. Have suspected for last few years it was going to root strangle itsself. Can visiually see the root wrapping around the root flare. This possible replacement oak will be setting in the middle of large, mature hostas. I don't want any root competetion, so this is why I'm interested in the columnar oak.

Planting site: Sunny from 10:00 till 4:00, black loam, S.W. corner of two story house, no wind protection, sewer lines within 10 ft., nothing overhead, urban neighborhood (old homes). Is this oak a good choice?

Ken, if you're reading, you're a hosta grower, what are your thoughts? I need a little shade for my hostas.

I lurk here often. So thanks in advance.

Kate

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

marymd7
14 years ago
There are several planted as street trees on some busy streets in Washington, DC. They are really, well, columnar -- weirdly so IMO. They work pretty well in the application they're used for in DC, but this is not a tree that will give you a shade canopy for hostas.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
i love oaks for gardening under ...

no experience with this one..

what is the potential width.. and how far from the house are you considering ...

newer sealed sewer lines.. or septic field?? no tree should be that close to a field ...

i would not feed the hosta ever again.. if you want the tree to ignore them.. if you fert the plants under the tree... you can figure out where it will grow roots ...

i wonder what the understock is ...

my oaks.. love my hot dry sand.. i do NOT know if they will appreciate.. as a babe ... the wet black loam ...

6 hours of sun is not bad.. but it isnt that great.. i do NOT know the shade tolerance of oak ... just listing variables that come to mind ..

good luck

ken
Related Discussions
Columnar trees
Q
Comments (12)
Thanks everyone!, Bboy, which is a small species of Alnus. I've seen a couple growing around here, but I've no idea which species are they. They are quite young. I like the Betula trunk color! Dibbit, I'll see if I can find the narrow form of Sweetgum, seems interesting Quercus, Resin and Lucky, thanks. I'm not a fan of Populus nigra, I prefer Populus alba, which grows very well around here. I'mnot sure if English oak will grow here. By the way, I meant to say small trees, that are quite narrow, not strictly a columnar cultivar. Trees with unique bark, leave color, structure...but that remain quite small compared to Quercus shumardii, Populus fremontii, etc. I was also thinking in Liriodendron chinense and Aesculus californica. Any more suggestions osprey
...See More
Scoping out the future clearance trees at local nursery.
Q
Comments (5)
Since stock often arrives from the grower root bound, has to be corrected at planting anyway, apart from watching for inadequate watering (and cooking of roots) the main problem specific to plants that have sat in a retail yard for months is lack of/inadequate fertilization. Starved specimens are slow to establish and may even go on to die after planting on the final purchaser's site. A plant may look fairly normal and still have a nutrient deficiency. Pale green or yellowish stock is liable to have a severe problem. Don't buy stock that looks like this unless it is a rare item that you've just got to have, and are willing and able to bring back. Poor leaf color can also indicate root rot due to pathogenic water molds that you should not be introducing to your planting site. High temperatures inside containers can encourage these, with infestation encouraged by splashing and puddling in sales yards not set up with a view to preventing this.
...See More
English Oak Question
Q
Comments (11)
As a follow up on this topic, I have another question regarding going from a "hybrid" back to a "natural state". I planted a hybrid brand name "Starburst" Honey Locust seedpod from my Father-In Law's tree 2 years ago. The parent tree came from a nursery about 35 years ago and this hybrid was appealing to potential buyers at the time because it was thornless and has especially vibrant yellow new growth foliage in the Spring. The offspring tree I planted is still very small but definately has tons of thorns! It has reverted back to be a plain old Honey Locust.Why do some trees revert back to the natural state but others retain the characteristics of the hybrid? I guess what I am asking is that if a hybrid English oak columnar tree retains the same shape when an acorn is planted, why would a Honey locust revert back to it's "thorny" natural state?
...See More
Oak?
Q
Comments (3)
Thanks for the suggestion - I can see the similarity, and the idea that it would be seed-grown would account for the differences.
...See More
whirlwind_5bia
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the response marymd & Ken.

marymd: as the sun moves from East to West, it should provide just enough shade. (a little time-out from the sun), for my hostas.

Ken:
Potential width - 10-15 ft. Have already accounted for that.
Sealed sewer lines. Not a problem there.
When & IF I feed my hostas, I broadcast milorginite.
Also questioned the understock(?). No information yet.

Thanks again for the replies. Think I'll give it a try. If it doesn't perform what I'm trying to achive, there is always the chainsaw. :-) Kate
iforgotitsonevermind
14 years ago
Not my favorite.
There are mixed reviews on columnar english oak. Besides they hold their leaves all winter. (yuck raking in spring)

Instead, here's a neat new selection I just saw a few days ago.
Q. palistrus 'Green Pillar'
A columnar pin oak! How cool is that?
Embothrium
14 years ago
Or try this one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crimson Spire Oak
whirlwind_5bia
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you iforgot & bboy for the suggestions. But both those trees may prove to be a little wider at maturity and may cause future problems. DH really was "smitten" with the "smallish" blue/green leaf. Really cute. As for raking in the spring... we have a White Swamp Oak and a Northern Red Oak and numerous other trees as well as a gazillion hostas in the yard....what's one more (or two):-)
Kate

Related Stories

SIDE YARD IDEAS Narrow Trees for Tight Garden Spaces

Boost interest in a side yard or another space-challenged area with the fragrance and color of these columnar trees

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Plan a Quintessentially English Country Kitchen

By Lara Sargent

If you love the laid-back nature of the English country kitchen, here’s how to get the look

DECORATING STYLES 18 Ways to Bring English Country Charm Home

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

From topiaries and climbing roses to toile and tea, these design ideas can skew cozy casual or manor formal

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Careful Renovation of a 17th-Century English Cottage

Custom furniture, an open layout and a few playful surprises, including a secret doorway, bring this historic cottage into the 21st century

DECORATING GUIDES 15 Ways to Get the English Cottage Look

By Laura Gaskill

Look to nature, inexpensive fabrics and small swaps to conjure a country-house vibe

KITCHEN CABINETS Colorful Cabinetry in an English Farmhouse Kitchen

Knocking rooms together opens up a family’s living space and makes way for this inviting handmade kitchen in blue and gray

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: English Country Home in the American South

By Becky Harris

This Charlotte, North Carolina, showhouse offers ideas for a fresh, family-friendly take on traditional design

DECORATING GUIDES A Handy Guide to English Antiques

By Mike Dietrich

Buying and owning old furniture is more fun and interesting when you know a little history

GROUND COVERS Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle

By Curtis Adams

These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Tour: Efficiency Comes Into Play in the English Countryside

This light and airy family home in Hampshire was constructed using local materials and is packed with eco-friendly features

Sponsored

More Discussions

Will ash and/or mulberry trees affect established junipers?

1

Bursera Fagaroides?

4

Is This a Sandbox Tree?

1

Japanese Maple for sun/shady deck

2

Paw paw seedlings or cuttings

6