Advice on Live Oak Trees

The live oak is plentiful in coastal areas.

Clemson University's Cooperative Extension service reports that the live oak tree responds well to plentiful moisture but tolerates dry conditions. It may be planted with an eye toward significant sunlight, but it also grows in shady areas.

Geography

The live oak tree grows best in coastal areas from Virginia to Florida and west to Central Texas. It enjoys the sandy soil found along the coastal plains, although it also is capable of growing in a wide variety of other soils. However, as it moves inland, the potential size of the tree is normally minimized.

Varieties

The live oak has been cultivated to include different varieties that enable its planting in more space-restricted areas. Sand live oak (Quercus virginiana var. geminata) and dwarf live oak (Quercus virginiana var. minima) are two common varieties. Other types of oak may be used to hybridize the live oak.

Fungal Disease

Leaf blister is a type of fungal gall that decreases the aesthetic value of the tree but does no other significant harm. However, oak wilt is a fungal disease that can be fatal to the tree but only is known to attack live oaks in six counties in South Carolina. Prune in mid- to late summer to help avoid infection from this lethal disease.

References

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Live Oak
• University of Georgia: Live Oak: State Tree of Georgia