Why Plant Pin Oak?
Growing straight and true, Pin Oak is a noble shade tree for spacious properties. This fairly fast-growing legacy tree will shade your deck, frame distant views, or line your driveway in style. Oak trees are not known for having excellent fall color, but there are a few exceptions and Pin Oak is one, developing a rich bronzy-red color. The dried leaves often hang on through the winter, adding a bit more sight blockage in the off-season when planted for screening. And the sound of the wind rustling through Pin Oak leaves is a pleasant winter sound—as long as you know there’s a fire in the fireplace and hot cocoa waiting for you when you go back inside.
Majestic Pin Oaks line the driveway to Graceland. On the day of his funeral, Elvis Presley was being carried from his home by his pallbearers and good friends along the tree lined driveway. A limb from one of the Pin Oak trees fell, just missing them. This was found to be uncharacteristic for this tree. Elvis always joked that he would come back after he died and let them know that he was ok. One of his friends remarked “we knew you would be back, just not so soon.” There are over 20 different trees at Graceland, each labeled for visitors. Elvis used trees as a natural buffer between him and his fans.
How to use Pin Oak in the landscape?
You can pin your 'oaks' on this one! In autumn its lustrous, dark green leaves turn every shade of red, making a striking contrast to the tree's smooth, gray bark. Its tidy, conical silhouette gives it an air of stateliness. It's easy to grow and will make a magnificent specimen tree for your yard. Pin Oak have been widely planted in spaces like parks, golf courses, or even street trees. Plant your Pin Oaks along your driveway to create dimension along those empty spaces.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
How To Plant Pin Oak
Oak trees enjoy full sun, but soil conditions are where these two trees differ. Pin Oaks require acid soil; if the soil isn’t acidic enough the leaves will turn yellow. Red Oaks, on the other hand, can tolerate a wider range of soil conditions. Oaks can have an irregular growth habit while young, but it will straighten out in time. (Kind of like that scrawny kid in elementary school that grows into the star quarterback on the high school football team – see, it all works out)! Oak trees are relatively pest free. You may have an occasional problem with scale, which are tiny sucking insects usually found in clusters along branches and leaves.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water very slowly and very thoroughly. The water needs to reach to the bottom of the root ball and that takes time. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. If planting in the fall, use Elements Fertilizer while planting and start your regular annual fertilizing the following fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
Usually with other Oak species pruning can be done at anytime of the year, but Pin Oaks should only be pruned when they are dormant. Prune you're Pin Oak when they are dormant and insect activity is at a minimum. Avoid pruning during the spring, summer, and early fall months. Only trim the branches that are growing toward the trunk of the tree. Remove the dead and damaged to make way for healthy growths.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
